Yamata City


 * Yamata redirects here. For the ruins the city was built on, see Yamata Ruins.

Yamata City (ヤマタイの都, City of Yamatai) is a city visited in Golden Sun: Dark Dawn and is the primary settlement on the isle of Nihan, the island where Izumo was once located. Visually, Yamata inherits the east-asian themes of Izumo and has many Japanese references, such as the clothes worn by and the spirituality of the people. Yamata's encyclopedia entry reads as follows:
 * "This city is the primary settlement on Nihan. Its culture is centered around spirituality, with many prayer shrines."

Story
After the Golden Sun event, Izumo was destroyed by a tidal wave, forcing Uzume to relocate the people to Yamata. Unfortunately, Uzume would die of illness shortly after the relocation, leaving Susa and Kushinada to rule as king and queen. Uzume's tomb would be located underneath the royal palace, and together, the structures form the most prominent building in the city.

Before the events of the Grave Eclipse, Takeru, Susa and Kushinada's son, would leave Yamata in search of Isaac, due to a prophecy given by his sister, Himi. When the Grave Eclipse hits, Himi would fall into a coma, leading Kushinada to hold endless prayer vigils for her.

During the Grave Eclipse, Matthew's party of Adepts come to Yamata in search of answers towards ending the eclipse. Kraden meets with Susa, whom he knew from his days traveling with the Warriors of Vale. When Kushinada collapses from exhaustion, the group rushes to see to her. Meanwhile, Himi is awoken by the Third Eye in Matthew's possession. Himi gives out a series of prophecies which tell the Adepts how to go about ending the Eclipse. Afterward, she chooses to join Matthew's party, as the Psynergy granted to her by the Third Eye is crucial towards completing their goals.

The group would return at a later point, to search for a Yellow Orb, an object necessary for ending the Eclipse. They find a secret entrance to ancient ruins while in Uzume's tomb. After exploring the ruins, they are able to successfully retrieve the Yellow Orb.

Vendors
Yamata's inn is located slightly to the left of the city's entrance and costs 20 coins per party member.

Collectibles
Kite: found on a ledge in the northwest corner of Yamata. Go to the house on the right. There is a Sacred Feather in the first jar on the left. Push the hay to the right and climb up the ladder. Jump across to the left and check the upper left pot on this second level for Weasel's Claw. Climb down and push the hay here as well. Move the box to get to the chest for a Power Bread. Palace: Go into the far right room and check the south pot for 60 Coins. A Vial can be found in the upper pot, of the room the party meets Susa.

Trivia

 * Should the player visit Yamata after defeating the final boss, an NPC will ask to sail on their ship, and lead the player to Crossbone Isle. However, triggering this scene is not necessary for visiting the Island.

Cultural References
Yamataikoku was an ancient country in Wa Japan, ruled by a Shaman-Queen known as Himiko. The location of the Yamatai Kingdom, known as the "Yamatai Controversy," is considered by scholars the greatest debate over the ancient history of Japan. It is likely that Himi, who is from Yamata, is based on Queen Himiko.