Kamienya Tsukiyama Kofun
A ancient tomb in Shimane — vast tombs of ancient rulers.
Overview
The Kamienya Tsukiyama Kofun is a burial mound in the Kamienya-cho neighborhood of the city of Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. It is a circular tumulus (enpun) and one of the mounds that make up the surrounding “Tsukiyama Kofun Cluster.” This valuable site is designated a National Historic Site of Japan, and the grave goods excavated here have been designated a National Important Cultural Property. Resting in the Izumo Plain, it conveys the ancient kofun culture of the San’in region to the present day.
Highlights
- ●A circular tumulus designated a National Historic Site
- ●Excavated grave goods designated a National Important Cultural Property
- ●Its standing as one mound within the Tsukiyama Kofun Cluster
- ●A site conveying San’in kofun culture in the Izumo Plain
History
This mound was built during the Kofun period and was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1924. The protected area was later expanded in 2020, reaffirming the site’s value. In addition, the artifacts excavated here were collectively designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2018, a testament to the high quality of the grave goods. The identity of the person buried here and the background to its construction remain subjects of research; please consult official sources and interpretive materials for details.
Access
The kofun lies in the Kamienya-cho neighborhood of Izumo, Shimane. It is in an area close to the built-up part of Izumo, so it is convenient to head there from central Izumo by public transport or car. Because the surroundings are preserved as a historic site, it is reassuring to check viewing routes, parking, and opening status through the city of Izumo’s official information before your visit. Combining your trip with a facility that houses and displays the excavated artifacts will deepen your understanding.
Best season
As an open-air historic site, spring and autumn, with settled weather and easy walking, are recommended. The fresh green season and the clear air of autumn are well suited to taking your time over the shape of the mound and the surrounding scenery. Watch out for strong sun and footing in summer and cold in winter, and come dressed in comfortable clothes and shoes for walking.
Map
35.3500, 132.7608 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head from central Izumo to the kofun in Kamienya-cho
- 2View the shape and scale of the circular mound
- 3Tour the neighboring mounds as part of the Tsukiyama Kofun Cluster
- 4Deepen your understanding of the grave goods at a facility that houses and displays them
Did you know?
💡 An enpun is a type of kofun with a circular plan, and the Kamienya Tsukiyama Kofun takes this form. The fact that its excavated artifacts are collectively designated a National Important Cultural Property suggests this was the grave of a powerful figure of the time. Viewed as one member of the Tsukiyama Kofun Cluster alongside the neighboring mounds, ancient Izumo comes into fuller relief.
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