Excavated Items from the Kannonji Temple Site in Tokushima

Archaeological Artifacts from the Kannonji and Shikiji Sites: A Window into Ancient Japan's Provincial Government

Tucked away in the fertile plains of Tokushima Prefecture on Japan's island of Shikoku, the Kannonji and Shikiji archaeological sites have yielded one of the most remarkable collections of ancient artifacts ever discovered in Japan. Designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 2015, this collection of 922 items offers an extraordinarily vivid portrait of how Japan's ancient provincial government — the Awa Kokufu — operated from the 7th through 10th centuries. For visitors fascinated by Japan's deep history, these artifacts bring to life a chapter of the country's story that few travelers ever encounter.

What Are the Kannonji and Shikiji Site Artifacts?

The collection comprises 922 archaeological objects excavated between 1997 and 2008 during construction of the Tokushima Southern Ring Road. Found primarily within two ancient riverbeds adjacent to the estimated location of the Awa Provincial Capital, the artifacts span the Asuka period (mid-7th century) through the Heian period (10th century). They include 213 wooden tablets known as mokkan, 292 wooden implements and products, 353 ceramic and clay items, 43 metal objects, and 4 bone and antler artifacts.

These items once served the daily administrative, ritual, and domestic needs of the officials who governed Awa Province — roughly corresponding to present-day Tokushima Prefecture — on behalf of the imperial court in the ancient capital cities of Nara and Kyoto.

Why Were These Artifacts Designated as an Important Cultural Property?

The designation reflects the exceptional academic and historical value of this collection. Several factors contributed to its recognition:

First, the mokkan (wooden tablets) are outstanding in both quantity and quality. These hand-inscribed strips of wood served as the emails and spreadsheets of ancient Japan — carrying tax records, census inquiries, personnel reports, and administrative instructions between provincial officials and the central government. The Kannonji-Shikiji collection is one of the most important assemblages of mokkan from any provincial capital site in the country.

Second, the collection spans an unusually long period from the 7th to 10th centuries, making it possible to trace how the ritsuryō legal system — Japan's first codified system of centralized government — was introduced, implemented, and eventually declined in this region.

Third, the artifacts encompass nearly every aspect of provincial government life: administration, ritual and ceremony, agriculture, textile production, construction, lacquerwork, military equipment, and music. This comprehensive nature makes the collection invaluable for understanding how ancient government functioned at the local level.

Highlights and Must-See Artifacts

Where to See the Artifacts: Rekishiru Tokushima

The artifacts are housed at Rekishiru Tokushima, the official name for the Tokushima Prefectural Buried Cultural Properties Center. Located in the town of Itano in northeastern Tokushima Prefecture, this specialized museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of archaeological finds from across the prefecture. The permanent exhibition features approximately 1,600 items displayed without glass barriers, allowing visitors to observe many objects up close. Some items can even be handled with permission from staff.

Beyond the Kannonji-Shikiji artifacts, the museum showcases a life-size reconstruction of a Yayoi-period pit dwelling, complete with realistic wax figures recreating scenes of ancient life. The surrounding Itano Town Historical and Cultural Park features a "Yayoi Sound Garden" with replica bronze bells (dōtaku) that visitors can actually ring.

The museum also offers hands-on workshops including magatama jewel making, fire-starting, bronze bell casting, and wooden tablet crafting — ideal activities for families and anyone wanting to connect with Japan's ancient heritage in a tangible way.

Nearby Attractions

The region around the Kannonji and Shikiji sites is rich in historical and cultural significance. Visitors can combine a trip to Rekishiru Tokushima with several other notable destinations:

• Ōasahiko Shrine (大麻比古神社) — The highest-ranking shrine in Awa Province (present-day Tokushima), located about 20 minutes away by car. This atmospheric shrine is set amid ancient forests and features a sacred camphor tree believed to be over 1,000 years old. It also holds historical bridges built by German prisoners of war during World War I.
• Ryōzenji Temple (霊山寺) — Temple No. 1 of the famous Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, located near Ōasahiko Shrine. This is where countless pilgrims begin their spiritual journey around the island of Shikoku.
• Awa Kokubunji Temple (阿波国分寺) — Temple No. 15 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, this was the provincial temple of Awa established by Emperor Shōmu in 741. Its magnificent stone garden is designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
• Tokushima City Archaeological Museum (徳島市立考古資料館) — Located within Awa Historical Park, this museum provides further context about the ancient Awa Provincial Capital area, including finds from the neighboring Yano site.
• Awa Historical Park (阿波史跡公園) — A spacious park featuring reconstructed ancient buildings, ancient burial mounds, and walking trails through historical landscapes.