Tagajo Ruins

Established in 724, this administrative office was set up to govern Mutsu Province, which lay beyond the reach of the central government during the Nara period. It served as a key strategic point for governing the Tohoku region, housing both the provincial government office (“kokufu”) and the military garrison and command center (“chinju-fu”). Today, it is counted among Japan's Three Great Historic Sites, alongside the Heijō-kyō ruins in Nara Prefecture and the Dazaifu ruins in Fukuoka Prefecture. It is also renowned as the city's premier cherry blossom viewing spot and serves as a place of relaxation for citizens. (National Special Historic Site, Japan Heritage)