The Yoshinogari Archeological park is a historical and archeological site tracing some of the earliest known settlements in the region. When we think of historical Japan we think of the feudal lords and castles, but there is a surprising history that can be traced back to some of the earliest settlement communities. The park is easily reached by walking from Yoshinogari Station, which is 2.1km to the park or about a 20 min walk. Entrance fee was 400Y ($5). I had reached here at 4pm and it closed by 5 so I only had a short time to walk around. It is a large area and has different types of settlement communities. Further out they have active archeological digs but due to time and being tired of walking I didnt venture out that far. The outer barriers are made of standing logs to form a perimeter wall. The tops are sharpened as a defence and there is a small outer canal surrounding the wall. Inside are more logs sharpened like spears and pointing diagonally outwards to repel any attackers. Following the park map was a small museum near the entrance. Here were various excavated pots and large burial urns. Going further in I came to the first community. Here again was a perimeter outer wall along with raised watchtowers. Inside were simple log homes with thatched roofs. If you crouch thru the entrance some had manniquins showing scenes of everyday life. Leaving this settlement I passed thru another building type. Here was a small collection of stilted houses more often found in coastal areas of SE Asia. After this was an unusual field. There were lots of raised bumps which I presumed were burial mounds. Further along some were open to the public and there were large clay urns inside. Behind this was a giant burial mound which had an entrance to enter. We have similar such things in korea with domed burial mounds so I was curious as to what was inside. Inside was a large excavation hall showing various burial jars in various stages of recovery. You could walk on a walkway around and over some parts of the excavation pit. Along the sides were illustration of the burial process. This is again similar to the large burial mounds founds in korea. I was at the northern end of the park so made my way around to another settlement community. There they had a large central building with a staircase. An english speaking guide welcomed me and asked me inside. Here was a large interior hall with people from the community gathered for a meal, town meeting, or some ritual. There was an upper second floor which the guide led me to where there was a small religious ceremony taking place. The guide said they would ask the gods for clarity to questions. I then made my way south to the communities at the other end of the park. They were similar in style to the other settlements but were much larger. There were more square central houses, watchtowers, and stilted houses. Each settlement had its own perimeter wall of spiked logs. By now it was 5pm and a bell was chiming to tell people to leave the park. An attendant was going around on a bicycle herding the few visitors back to the entrance. It would have been nice to wander for another half hour but I saw enough of the park. Also I chose the right train from Huis Ten Bosch this afternoon as had I come any later I wouldnt have had any time to see the park.