Dōnomae ruins

The Dōnomae ruins, located in Sakata, Yamagata, Japan, are the remains of a fortified settlement from the Heian period, dating to the early 10th century CE. This site, designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1979, features a moat surrounding a complex of buildings, including a large central structure with substantial pillar foundations. The layout suggests it may have served as the provincial capital of Dewa Province. Artifacts unearthed include Sue ware pottery, leather fragments, and tools used for divination, enhancing our understanding of the period's material culture. After excavation in the 1960s, the site was backfilled and now lies beneath rice paddies, marked only by an informational plaque.