Kitanaikaku
KITANAIKAKU (The Northern Inner Enclosure) PRAYER TO GOD
This is believed to have been the most important area, not only in Yoshinogari village, but also in the whole nation-state around Yoshinogari. It is here that the dates for rice planting and harvesting, seasonal festivals and ceremonies, and the largest market is thought to have been established. It is where important meetings for matters of state are believed to have been held for the entire nation-state, and where prayers were offered unto ancestors. During the Yayoi period, it is believed that when people could not come to agreement on important issues, a high priest, with the special skill to communicate with the ancestors and god, was asked to intervene, and the decision was made in accordance with the received message.
- Main Shrine
- The 2nd floor of the Main Shrine
- The 3rd floor of the Main Shrine
- Key-shaped Entrance
- High-ceilinged Storehouse
- TAKAYUKAJUKYO
(High-floored Residence) - TAKAIYUKASOUKO
(High-floored Storehouse) - HIGASHISAIDEN
(Eastern Sanctuary) - SAIDO
(Purification House) - Watchtower
- Surrounding Double Circular Moats
- Surrounding Wooden Walls
Main Shrine
This building is believed to have been a central building where important meetings and ritual gatherings were held.
The 2nd floor of the Main Shrine
Here, the ruler, leaders in Yoshinogari and heads of every nearby village gathered for important ritual ceremonies for Yoshinogari.
The 3rd floor of the Main Shrine
People prayed to receive a revelation from ancestral spirits. Then followers sent the message to the ruler and leaders waiting on the 2nd floor.
Key-shaped Entrance
This key-shaped wall prevented outsiders from entering straight into the compound. It was found largely in ancient Chinese walled cities, which shows the Chinese influence in Yoshinogari.
High-ceilinged Storehouse
This building is where rice for offerings and seed rice for the coming year are believed to have been stored.
TAKAYUKAJUKYO (High-floored Residence)
This high-floored house is almost a perfect square. Located near the main shrine or sanctuary, this building is believed to be the residence of priests versus a storehouse. The building was surrounded by a rope-like fence creating the atmosphere of a holy place and the belief that it was used exclusively for holy men.
TAKAIYUKASOUKO (High-floored Storehouse)
This building is located near KITANAIKAKU. Sacred objects used in festivals and ceremonies for KITANAIKAKU and the burial jars were believed to be stored here.
HIGASHISAIDEN (Eastern Sanctuary)
This high-floored structure is believed to have been used for celebrations and rituals regarding the solstices and solar observation. It is located on a direct line measuring the start of the summer solstice and the end of the winter solstice.
SAIDO (Purification House)
This high-floored building is located between the east shrine and the main shrine. This structure is believed to have been used as a place of purification and dressing before ceremonies at the main shrine. Items used in the ceremonies were also thought to be stored here.
Watchtower
The watchtower is a high-floored structure found at the four protruding corners of the circular moats. It is believed to have been used as an enemy lookout post and additionally to have had a purpose in worshipping the area, inferred from the sacred nature of the Northern Inner Enclosure.
Surrounding Double Circular Moats
For defense, this area is the most important, due to the double circular moats which offered complete protection.
Surrounding Wooden Walls
Kitanaikaku, the Northern Inner Enclosure is believed to have been the most important place. Closely set spiked wooden walls were constructed as a barrier.