However a moat was often dug in an upland settlement during the end of the Yayoi period and Sakamogi (fence made of thorny or steeple branches to prevent entry of an enemy) were placed at the moat in some cases (Asahi site at Aichi Prefecture).
しかしながら、弥生時代後期の高地性集落にしばしば環濠が掘削されていること、環濠内に逆茂木（さかもぎ）と呼ばれる防御施設が設置された事例が認められる（愛知県朝日遺跡など）。