Toro (archaeological site)

The Toro archaeological site, located in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, Japan, is a significant Yayoi-period settlement site dating to the 1st century CE. It features the remains of pit-house dwellings, wet-rice paddy fields, and raised-floor buildings interpreted as storehouses. The site is notable for its well-preserved agricultural tools and structures, providing a rare glimpse into the wet-rice cultivation practices of the time. The discovery of these features in Toro marked a pivotal moment for Japanese archaeology, leading to the formation of the Japanese Archaeological Association. The site is now preserved as an archaeological park, with reconstructed buildings and fields serving as a public educational resource. Its designation as a Special Historic Site of Japan underscores its cultural and historical significance.