Ishibutai Burial Mound
The Ishibutai Burial Mound is a burial mound (kofun) in the Asuka district of Nara prefecture that is believed to be the tomb of Soga no Umako (551-626).
- History of Ishibutai Burial Mound
- Ishibutai Burial Mound in Season
- Access - Getting To Ishibutai Burial Mound
Ishibutai Burial Mound (Ishibutai Kofun) 石舞台古墳
Ishibutai Burial Mound, located in the Asuka district of Nara Prefecture, is a burial mound (kofun) dating from the Asuka Period of Japanese history. Ishibutai translates as "stone stage" as the rocks are said to resemble the stage in a theater. Ishibutai is the largest known megalithic structure in Japan and a very popular tourist attraction.
Ishibutai Burial Mound, Asuka, Nara Prefecture
Ishibutai Burial Mound, Asuka, Nara Prefecture
History of Ishibutai Burial Mound
Ishibutai Burial Mound is believed to be the tomb of Soga no Umako (551-626), a leader of the powerful Soga clan, a contemporary of Shotoku Taishi and an enthusiastic supporter of Buddhism.
The exposed granite burial chamber was first excavated in the 1930's. The dimensions of the tomb are on a large scale scale: the sepulcher is 7.8m long, 3.4m wide and 4.8m high. The weight of the two massive stones or megaliths forming the tomb's ceiling is 64 tons for the stone at the northern end and 77 tons for the stone at the southern end.
The stones were moved into position using wooden rollers, ropes and pulleys, an operation that would have needed considerable time, skill and manpower.
Over time the earth covering the stones has eroded leaving the stones exposed.
Ishibutai Burial Mound, Nara Prefecture
Ishibutai Burial Mound, Nara Prefecture
Ishibutai Burial Mound in Season
The large grassy parkland surrounding Ishibutai Burial Mound is a major draw for people to enjoy the changing seasons. In spring, visitors can enjoy a hanami picnic under the many cherry trees. In summer there are blooms of bright orange and red safflowers. Autumn is the season of the spider lily or higanbana in Japanese, a plant often associated with graveyards. When snow covers the stones in winter, a solemn atmosphere can be felt at the site.
Ishibutai Burial Mound, Nara Prefecture
Ishibutai Burial Mound
1220 Ooaza Oka, Asuka, Takaichi-gun
Nara Prefecture
634-0111
Tel: 0744 54 4577
Hours: 8.30 am-5 pm
Admission: 250 yen for adults.
Access - how to get to Ishibutai Burial Mound
There are bicycle rental outlets at Kashiharajingu-mae, Okadera and Asuka stations all on the Kintetsu Line from Yamato-Saidaiji Station and Kintetsu Nara Station. These stations can also be reached from Abenobashi Station in Osaka.
Ishibutai Burial Mound is roughly a 25-30 minute cycle from Kashiharajingu-mae or a 20-25 minute cycle from Asuka Station. There are hourly buses from Asuka Station.
Ishibutai Burial Mound is fairly close to Tachibanadera, Okadera Temple, Takamatsuzuka Tomb and Asukadera Temple.
