Hotta-no-saku ruins, a Historic Site

This ruin on the Senpoku Valley was built in Heian Period. Surrounded by wooden fences, the fort was used to rule Emishi tribe living in Tohoku Region. No reference of it or even its name is found in ancient records and there is a lot of mystery around it.

At first, a lot of Akita Cedar lumber, 30cm² by 3.6m-long, was excavated in Meiji Period. The following research revealed fences surrounding the hill. The 3600m-long wooden outer fence was in an oval shape with gates on east, west, north and south. At its center, a remain which appears to be a government office was found. Wood strip and lacquer paper documents, potteries with ink writing were excavated to suggest the life back then.

Today, part of the outer fence and 9.7m-tall southern gate are restored. The information center shows a video on Hotta Fort with its mysterious history.