A National Relational Dataset of Reconstructed Prehistoric and Ancient Buildings in Japan

This dataset documents modern architectural reconstructions of prehistoric and ancient buildings across Japan that are based primarily on archaeological remains. It contains records for 1,014 reconstructed buildings at 346 sites, including building type, materials, construction and rebuilding history; site names, locations, and heritage designations; designer attribution and institutional affiliation; and documentary sources. The data were assembled through documentary research, correspondence with site authorities, and field survey. The relational structure records reconstruction location separately from the archaeological evidence on which it is based and preserves uncertainty in key information. These data support the comparative study of reconstruction practices across time and place and of relationships among archaeological evidence, reconstructed architecture, institutions, and designers.