Tsukushi Korokan

 

The Tsukushi Korokan was a government lodgings and reception site in ancient Japan for diplomatic visitors from China and Korea that was in operation during the Asuka, Nara, and Heian Periods.

Most official intercourse between Japan and mainland Asia came through northern Kyushu, the closest point between them. Dazaifu, a little further inland from what is now Fukuoka City, was the western "capital" for the central government.

The Korokan was meant to impress visitors and also acted as a kind of immigration control centre. Later when visitors were more for trade than diplomacy the merchants would stay in the Korokan for months. Also, Japanese monks and diplomats heading to Asia would also stay here. During the 11th century, it was abandoned and disappeared from history.

The site of the Korokan was discovered in 1987 during construction work on one of the stadiums in Maizuru Park, the former site of the huge Fukuoka Castle. A museum showing some of the excavations, items discovered, and a partial reconstruction of one of the buildings is open in the park with free entry.

I visited on a rest and recovery day on the 74th day of my walk around Kyushu. The previous post was on the Fukuoka Castle ruins.