Places of interest · Asuka
Takamatsuzuka Kofun 高松塚古墳
A small round tomb where vivid wall paintings of court ladies and the Four Gods were found in 1972.
About
Takamatsuzuka is a modest two-tiered round mound, about 23 metres across, built between 694 and 710. In 1970 a villager digging a hole to store ginger struck cut stone, and in March 1972 archaeologists opened a chamber painted in bright colours: groups of men and women in court dress, the guardian animals of the four directions and a star chart on the ceiling. The discovery caused a sensation in Japan. The paintings were later damaged by mould, so in 2007 the stone chamber was taken out for conservation work, finished in 2020. The mound was restored to its original shape in 2009, and the paintings are National Treasures.
Highlights
- Restored mound in Asuka Historical National Government Park
- Story of the 1972 discovery
Tips
- The original paintings are not on public view at the mound; check the nearby mural hall for replicas and current displays.
- Part of the Asuka-Fujiwara World Heritage Site since 2026.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-19
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Open in the appNearby
- Ishibutai KofunLandmark & Tower · 1.9 km away
- Asuka Historical National Government ParkPark · 1.9 km away
- Asukadera TempleTemple · 2.2 km away
- Kashihara JinguShrine · 3.3 km away
- Takatori Castle RuinsCastle & Palace · 4.2 km away
- ImaichoLocal Secret · 5.0 km away
- Tanzan ShrineShrine · 5.1 km away
- Imanishi ResidencePlaces of interest · 5.4 km away