Furushida-Higashi ruins

The Furushida-Higashi ruins, located in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, represent a significant archaeological site from the Heian period, approximately the 9th to 10th century CE. This site includes the remnants of a fortified residence characterized by a square enclosure of about 100 meters per side, complete with a surrounding moat and earthen wall. Within the enclosure, archaeologists have identified the foundational stones of seven buildings, including a large central structure and several auxiliary buildings. The discovery of numerous Sue ware earthenware items, including inscribed bowls, cups, and plates, alongside 28 wooden inventory tags, provides insight into the domestic life and material culture of the time. The site's strategic location by a river suggests its potential use for transportation or trade. Today, the site serves as a public park, with stone pillars marking the location of the original structures.