Overview
The Arashima Tomb Cluster in Yasugi, Shimane, is a collective name for burial-mound and kofun groups spanning from the late Yayoi period through the late Kofun period or even the Nara period. Including the Chusenji Kofun Cluster, part of its constituent sites is designated a National Historic Site and has been developed as a history park called the Hill of Ancient Izumo Royal Tombs. It is one of San'in's finest tomb sites, tracing the footsteps of the chieftains who once held power in ancient Izumo.
Highlights
- ●A group of sites where the evolution of tombs from late Yayoi into the Kofun era can be seen at a glance
- ●A spread including several sites such as the Chusenji Kofun Cluster
- ●The historical value of the National Historic Site, the Hill of Ancient Izumo Royal Tombs
- ●The many mounds that testify to powerful chieftains of ancient Izumo
History
Burial mounds were raised here continuously from the late Yayoi period, conveying the distinctive Izumo mortuary tradition typified by the four-cornered projecting mound tombs. Shifting over time from mound tombs to kofun, these tomb groups are precious evidence that a powerful force existed in ancient Izumo. For this historical value, part of the cluster is designated a National Historic Site and preserved and opened to the public as the Hill of Ancient Izumo Royal Tombs.
Access
The site lies in Yasugi near 35.42N, 133.19E. Developed as the Hill of Ancient Izumo Royal Tombs history park, it lets visitors walk among the mounds. Check the nearest station, buses and parking with official information. Easily reached from San'in's main transport routes, it fits neatly into an ancient-history tour toward Matsue and Izumo.
Best season
Since you walk outdoors among the mounds, the dazzling greenery of spring to early summer and the clear air of autumn are most comfortable. From atop the hills you can survey the surrounding scenery and imagine the ancient outlook amid seasonal color. In summer mind the sunshine and footing, and confirm the park's opening hours and viewing routes in advance.
Map
35.4297, 133.1998 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Reach the Hill of Ancient Izumo Royal Tombs history park in Yasugi
- 2Walk the grounds to view Yayoi mound tombs and kofun
- 3Picture the landscape of ancient Izumo from atop the hills
- 4Combine the visit with ancient-history sights toward Matsue and Izumo
Did you know?
💡 The name Hill of Ancient Izumo Royal Tombs suggests that those buried here were powerful figures who might be called kings of ancient Izumo. The charm of the Arashima cluster is being able to trace, in one place, how tomb forms shifted from Yayoi to the Kofun era, making it an essential field for pondering the rise of Izumo royal power.
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