Hirasawa Kanga ruins

The Hirasawa Kanga ruins in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, are a significant archaeological site from the Nara to Heian periods. This site, protected as a National Historic Site since 1980, reveals the layout of a provincial administrative complex under the Ritsuryō system, with features such as a moat, palisade, and granaries. Excavations uncovered foundations for various buildings, including raised-floor granaries likely used for storing taxation rice. Additionally, evidence of earlier settlement during the late Jōmon period was found, indicating long-term habitation. The site provides insights into the administrative and social structures of the time, reflecting a blend of Chinese architectural influence and local adaptations. Restoration efforts have made the site accessible to the public, emphasizing its historical importance.