Guida
The Toro Site, located in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a significant archaeological site representing an agricultural settlement from the Yayoi period. Historically, this area featured a settlement surrounded by water, where a highly advanced agricultural culture centered on rice cultivation flourished. Today, the Shizuoka City Toro Museum is situated on the site, showcasing the excavated remains of dwellings and artifacts that reveal the daily lives of the people. The site is maintained as a park, allowing visitors to see reconstructed models of ancient pit dwellings and experience the atmosphere of the past.
This site holds immense historical value as a representative Yayoi-period agricultural settlement. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of sophisticated rice cultivation in paddy fields, as well as the structures of pit dwellings and raised-floor granaries used for storage. The excavated pottery and tools serve as vital evidence of the lifestyle and the process of developing an agricultural culture adapted to the natural environment. Many of these artifacts are designated as National Important Cultural Properties, making this site a crucial center for Japanese archaeology.
The museum offers a wide variety of exhibits. In the permanent exhibition rooms, visitors can observe detailed displays of excavated pottery, agricultural tools, and daily utensils, providing a concrete look into ancient life. The 'Yayoi Experience Exhibition Room' offers interactive displays, allowing visitors to learn about the culture through more hands-on engagement. The museum building itself is designed to reflect the structures and history of the ruins. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the 1st-floor exhibition area and the open-air rooftop terrace, which offers a sense of the surrounding environment.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Visiting during the daytime allows you to enjoy the exhibits under bright, natural light. The park area surrounding the ruins is ideal for a stroll on pleasant weather days. While the scenery changes with the seasons, we highly recommend visiting on clear days to enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace and to observe the reconstructed dwellings from an elevated perspective. The indoor exhibition rooms provide a comfortable environment for historical learning regardless of the season.
Beyond simple observation, the Toro Site offers interactive learning opportunities. The Yayoi Experience Exhibition Room allows you to learn about history through a tactile sense of the tools and lifestyle of the era. For families and students, worksheets are also available to make the learning process engaging and fun. In the park area, you can walk around the reconstructed pit dwellings to experience the layout and environment of an ancient settlement firsthand.
The area surrounding the museum is a park that maintains its historical landscape. You can enjoy a walk while understanding the historical context amidst a nature-rich environment. Shizuoka City also hosts many other historical and cultural facilities, making this a perfect stop on a route to trace the history of the Shizuoka region. The museum also features a library corner for those wishing to delve deeper into historical research.
Visitors are asked to observe quiet etiquette while viewing the exhibits inside the museum. To protect the artifacts, please follow the specific instructions regarding photography in each area. While there are no strict dress codes, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore the outdoor park area. For admission to the 2nd-floor exhibition room, both cash and credit cards are accepted. Additionally, free multilingual audio guides are available to ensure a smooth and informative experience for international visitors.