Saitobaru Burial Mounds [Miyazaki]

2025年6月10日

【Saitobaru Burial Mounds summary】

Saitobaru Burial Mounds is one of the largest burial mounds in Japan, located in Saito City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Currently, 319 tumuli dating from the 4th to 7th centuries exist within a small area, and are designated as Special Historic Sites of Japan. The tombs are grouped from the first to the fourth, and a round trip around the tombs takes about one hour and is vast in size and vastness.

【What is Kofun/Kofun Period?】

In the Japanese archipelago, tombs with high mounds of earth (mound tombs) were actively constructed from the latter half of the 3rd century to about 400 years ago. The tombs with mounds built during this period are called “kofun,” and they were constructed by people of high rank at that time. Kofun tumuli are not only tombs, but also social monuments, and the period when these tombs were constructed is called the “Kofun period (250-538).

【Saitobaru Burial Mounds】

It is a rare sight to see ancient tombs scattered over a large area of land, giving it an atmosphere that is typical of an archaeological site.

【Saitobaru Burial Mounds Oninoiwaya Kofun】

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Oninoiwaya Kofun is the only burial mound in the Saitobaru tumulus cluster that uses a side-hole stone chamber for burial facilities.

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【Saitobaru Burial Mounds Special Historic Site Park】

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The tumulus cluster is now maintained as a special historic site park and offers beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons. I visited in April, when the rape blossoms and cherry blossoms were at their best.

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The south side of the park had a touristy atmosphere with a rest house with a souvenir shop and an event plaza.

【Saitobaru Burial Mounds Nearby attractions】

Hayakaitohime Shrine, Miyazaki Jingu Shrine, Aoshima Shrine

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速開都比売神社【宮崎県】

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Miyazaki Jingu Shrine and Miyazaki Gokoku Shrine [Miyazaki]

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Aoshima Shrine [Miyazaki]

【Saitobaru Burial Mounds Access】

Manager’s Comments

Miyazaki Prefecture is one of the places regarded as the origin of Japan in ancient mythology, and the number of ancient burial mounds in the prefecture is also exceptional. This place also seems to have a deep connection with ancient history. Kofun tumuli are still not well understood, and the connection between mythology and history is very interesting. Even if you are not interested in history, this is a good place to visit because of the beautiful cherry blossoms and rape blossoms.

Site/Facility Size

(5)

Richness of Nature

(4)

Ease of access

(1.5)

Number of tourists

(3)