The site of the Dazaifu government office is known as “Tofuro.” During the Nara and Heian periods, the Dazaifu was responsible for supervising Japan’s maritime frontier, as well as administering the nine provinces and two islands of the Saikaido (modern Kyushu). In those days, a great edifice with vermilion lacquered columns and a tiled roof stood at the foot of Mount Ono. Today all that remains is a park with the huge foundation stones of the original structures.
- 1 min read
Tofuro - Dazaifu Government Center
An important location dating from the Nara & Heian era

By Tony Mariani
Community writer

Dazaifu Government Center

An information board at the Dazaifu Government Center

The location of the once-grand entrance gate (Photo: Tony Marian)

Where the gate stood

A scale reproduction of the gate from Kyushu National Museum

Mount Ono stands in the background

Ancient stone foundations for each of the pillars

An ancient irrigation ditch

Important artifacts were recovered from the site

Ruins embedded in a tree

A general view of the overnment grounds

Memorial pillars marking the Dazaifu Government Center
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