Previous Page All Past Path Nothern Area at Kii peninsula Next Page
Ichio-Miyazuka tumulus
After walking for about five hours upon entering Nara Prefecture, I reached the Asuka region. This region is known for the many tumuli, built around the 6th century, which can still be found today. The first site I visited today was the Ichio-Miyazuka tumulus, believed to be the tomb of a chieftain of the local ruling clan. It is a keyhole-shaped tomb that forms a small hill, and just before reaching the top, a horizontal hole containing a stone coffin was discovered there. The entrance is closed off by a lattice, so one cannot enter. However, as I approached the entrance, a sensor activated, illuminating the inside of the horizontal hole, allowing a clear view of the stone coffin within the stone chamber. Many burial items were also found in this chamber and are said to be preserved in a nearby museum. The top of the tumulus is now a park, with a spacious area where small children can run around, as well as play on slides and swings. I was once again impressed by the strong authority of the chieftains, even 1,400 years ago, as evidenced by the magnificent structures left behind.