The Toro Remains is one of Japan’s most important archaeological sites, offering a vivid look into the agricultural life of the Yayoi Period about 1,800–2,000 years ago. Located on the floodplain of the Abe River, the village was rapidly buried by silt during repeated ancient floods. This unique geographical condition preserved wooden buildings, farming tools, textiles equipment, and even traces of ancient rice paddies with exceptional clarity—something rarely found at other sites in Japan.

The site was accidentally discovered in 1943 during the construction of a wartime military facility. After World War II, large-scale systematic excavations were conducted nationwide. The historical impact of the findings was so significant that it led directly to the founding of the Japanese Archaeological Association, marking the beginning of modern post-war archaeology in Japan. Today, Toro is designated as a Special Historic Site of Japan.

The historical park features full-scale reconstructions of:

• Pit-house dwellings

• Raised-floor storehouses (Takamikura / Raised-Floor Storehouse) designed to protect harvested rice from moisture and pests

• A ceremonial hall

• Restored rice paddies where ancient Yayoi “red rice” (aka-mai) is still cultivated

These reconstructions, along with the surrounding open fields, bring the lifestyle of the Yayoi villagers to life in a vivid and easily understandable way.

Adjacent to the ruins is the Shizuoka City Toro Museum, housing over 775 excavated artifacts designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Exhibits include pottery, wooden agricultural tools, weaving implements, and everyday items of Yayoi villagers. The first floor features the popular Yayoi Experience Room, where visitors can try simple hands-on activities related to ancient life.

• From JR Shizuoka Station

  • Local bus: approx. 10 minutes, get off at “Toro Iseki”

  • Taxi: approx. 8–10 minutes

• From Tokyo

  • Tokaido Shinkansen to Shizuoka Station (~1 hour), then take a bus or taxi

• The park is flat, spacious, and comfortable for walking and photography.

• Best visited from summer to early autumn when the restored rice paddies are vivid green.

• Allocate 1.5–2 hours to see both the archaeological park and museum.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially after rain, as the ground may be soft.

• The museum is closed on Mondays—confirm before visiting.

• Morning or early afternoon offers the best light for photographing the reconstructed village.

Admission Fee:

• Toro Remains Park: Free (open-air archaeological park)

• Toro Museum (2nd floor exhibition): Around ¥300

• 1st Floor Yayoi Experience Room: Often free

Opening Time:

• Toro Remains Park: Open 24 hours

• Toro Museum: 09:00–16:30

• Closed: Mondays, the day after national holidays, and New Year holidays