Komiya Site

An archaeological site among rice fields

This site lies among the rice fields of Toyura. There was once a small raised mound here known as the Komiya Dodan ("Komiya earthen platform").

If you visit today, all you will find is an information board and spreading rice fields. In early summer, when the paddies are flooded, the sky and the shadows of the hills are reflected in the water.

Stone-lined channels

Excavations have uncovered a stone-lined channel and an area paved with stones.

These seem to have been built to bring water in and show it off, and are thought to have been part of an enchi, a garden with ponds. That would mean a powerful figure of the Asuka period had a garden designed around water.

As with the Asuka Palace Garden Site and the Sakafuneishi site, facilities for handling water were built again and again in Asuka in this period.

The Oharida Palace question

What this site was has not yet been settled.

An older theory held that it was the site of Oharida Palace, to which Empress Suiko moved in 603. The place name Komiya ("old palace") comes from that tradition.

Later, pottery inscribed in ink with the name "Oharida Palace" was found at the Ikazuchi-no-oka East Site to the north, and the view that Oharida Palace was located there has grown stronger. There is also a theory that this was part of the mansion of Soga no Umako.

The four-ringed bell

A gilt-bronze shikanrei (four-ringed bell) is said to have been found near here in the Meiji era (1868–1912).

It is an unusual bell with rings on four sides, and is an Important Cultural Property. Its use is unclear, but it is thought to have been used in rituals.

Visiting

About 5 minutes on foot from the "Toyura" stop on the Asuka loop bus from Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station. Admission is free.

It lies between Amakashi Hill and Kōgen-ji Temple, so you can stop by while walking around Toyura.