Explore the Mizuki Remains, a Key Point in Dazaifu’s Defense and Full of Ancient Romance!
The Mizuki Remains, located in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, are an ancient defense facility built in the 7th century. Consisting of a massive earthen rampart and moat stretching about 1.2 km in total length, it is a valuable historical site that tells the story of the tension in East Asia at the time and the high level of Japanese defense technology. It is designated as a special national historic site and was also registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution” in 2015.
This article will provide detailed explanations of the history, highlights, and access information of the Mizuki Remains to support your tour of the site.
History of the Mizuki Remains
Battle of Hakusukinoe
In the 7th century, in the Korean Peninsula, the allied forces of the Tang and Silla dynasties destroyed Baekje and were closing in on Goguryeo. Japan dispatched troops to aid Baekje, a friendly nation, but in 663, suffered a crushing defeat by the Tang-Silla allied forces in the Battle of Hakusukinoe.
Strengthening of the Defense System
This defeat was a major shock to Japan. The invasion by the Tang and Silla dynasties became a real possibility, and the need to defend Dazaifu, a defense base in Kyushu, increased.
Therefore, in 664, the Yamato Imperial Court constructed the following three facilities to defend Dazaifu:
- Mizuki: A huge earthen rampart and moat to defend the west side of the Fukuoka Plain from invasion from Hakata Bay.
- Onojo: A mountain castle located to the southeast of Mizuki.
- Kijo: A mountain castle located to the southwest of Mizuki.
Structure of Mizuki
Mizuki had a massive earthen rampart about 10m in height, about 80m wide at the base, and about 1.2km in total length, with a moat about 60m wide and about 4m deep on its outer side, which was filled with water. The earthen rampart was built using a method called hanchiku (rammed earth construction), which involves tamping and layering earth. This solid structure demonstrates the high level of civil engineering technology at the time.
Mizuki in Later Years
Mizuki continued to function as an important base for the defense of Dazaifu. However, after the Heian period, as the situation in East Asia stabilized, its role gradually declined.
Registration as a World Heritage Site
The existence of the Mizuki Remains was long forgotten, but it was rediscovered in the late 19th century, and its historical value was reevaluated. Then, in 2015, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as a constituent asset of the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.”
The Mizuki Remains were registered as a World Heritage Site because the following points were evaluated:
- It is an important site that shows international relations in East Asia.
- It is an excellent structure that demonstrates the high level of civil engineering technology at the time.
- It is an essential site for understanding Japanese history.
Highlights of the Mizuki Remains
Experience the Massive Earthen Rampart!
The biggest highlight of the Mizuki Remains is, without a doubt, the massive earthen rampart. Even after more than 1300 years, its magnificent appearance overwhelms visitors. In particular, the Earthen Rampart Section Plaza, where you can see a cross-section of the rampart, allows you to feel the high level of construction technology at the time.
East Gate Remains and West Gate Remains
Mizuki had two gates: the east gate and the west gate. Even today, the foundation stones of the gate and the remains of the wooden trough water intake are preserved at the east gate remains. The area around the west gate remains has been developed as the Mizuki Yume Plaza, where you can overlook the entire Mizuki Remains.
Mizuki Hall
At the Mizuki Hall, adjacent to the Mizuki Remains, you can learn about the history and structure of Mizuki, the results of archaeological excavations, and more in detail. The exhibits using models and videos can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When and why was Mizuki built?
A. It was built in 664 to defend Dazaifu in preparation for invasion by the Tang and Silla dynasties.
Q. How long is Mizuki?
A. It is about 1.2 km long.
Q. How can I get to the Mizuki Remains?
A. It is about a 20-minute walk from Nishitetsu “Tofuromae Station,” or about a 2-minute walk from the municipal bus “Mahoroba-go” “Mizuki Remains” stop.
Q. Why were the Mizuki Remains registered as a World Heritage Site?
A. It was evaluated as an important site showing international relations in East Asia and the high level of civil engineering technology at the time.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
| Name | Mizuki Remains |
| Address | 818-0100 Fukuoka Prefecture, Dazaifu City, Kokubu 2-chome 17-10 |
| Phone Number | 092-921-2121 (Dazaifu City Hall, Industrial Promotion Division) |
| Access | About a 20-minute walk from Nishitetsu “Tofuromae Station” About a 2-minute walk from the municipal bus “Mahoroba-go” “Mizuki Remains” stop |
| Parking | Available |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Closed | Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), and the New Year’s holidays |
Conclusion
The Mizuki Remains are a valuable historical site that demonstrates the high level of defense technology in ancient Japan. If you witness the massive earthen rampart, you will be able to feel the historical romance of more than 1300 years ago. Please be sure to visit when sightseeing in Dazaifu.