Kinzaki Kofun Cluster
A ancient tomb in Shimane — vast tombs of ancient rulers.
Overview
The Kinzaki Kofun Cluster lies in the Nishikawatsu neighborhood of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, a group of burial mounds raised in the middle Kofun period around the fifth century. The cluster includes square kofun and has been designated a National Historic Site. It is not a flashy tourist spot, but for those drawn to history it offers a rewarding chance to trace the footprints of the powerful figures who once ruled ancient Izumo in the San'in region.
Highlights
- ●A group of tombs including square kofun from the middle Kofun period of the fifth century
- ●Its value as a National Historic Site designated in 1957
- ●A window onto the burial culture of the powerful figures of ancient Izumo
- ●A quiet setting in northern Matsue that allows an unhurried visit
History
The Kinzaki Kofun Cluster is a group of tombs built in the middle Kofun period, around the fifth century, and is notable for including square kofun. In 1957 the tumuli were collectively designated a National Historic Site, and they have since been protected as valuable remains conveying the burial culture and social order of ancient Izumo. The square form of the mounds offers an important clue for considering the standing of those buried here and the structure of the society of the time.
Access
The site lies at roughly 35.49 degrees north and 133.07 degrees east, in the Nishikawatsu district of Matsue. Set on the northern side of the city, it is usually reached by local transport from the area of JR Matsue Station. On-site guidance, the accessible areas, and parking arrangements may change, so it is reassuring to confirm the details through official sources before you set out. The surroundings form a calm district where housing and farmland mingle.
Best season
As an open-air historic site, it is most comfortable to explore in spring or autumn, when the weather is settled and walking is easy. During the season of budding greenery or on clear autumn days you can study the shapes of the mounds at leisure. In summer mind the sun and footing, and in winter the cold, so dress in comfortable clothing for your visit.
Map
35.4893, 133.0702 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Visit the Kinzaki Kofun Cluster in Nishikawatsu, north of central Matsue, and first review the outline of the site
- 2Observe the shapes of the mounds, including the square kofun, and imagine the middle Kofun period of the fifth century
- 3Read the on-site panels to interpret who was buried here and the social background of ancient Izumo
- 4Return to central Matsue and pair the visit with Lake Shinji or the castle town to savor history from ancient to early modern times
Did you know?
💡 The square kofun that give Kinzaki its character are tombs with a square or rectangular plan, a lineage distinct from round mounds or keyhole-shaped tumuli. They hint that fifth-century Izumo possessed its own distinct tradition of tomb building.
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