Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Spots in Japan

  • The Old Imperial Japanese Navy Cemetery (Nagasako Park)
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Kureshi Kaminagasakochou
    Opened as a burial ground for soldiers of the former Japan Imperial Navy in 1890, it is now a cemetery that is being maintained as Nagasako Park. In the park are numerous tombstones and monuments erected before the war, including a memorial with the names of those who died with the sinking of the battleship, Yamato. The park is also famous as the setting for the war film, Yamato, which was released in 2005. Take the bus from Kure Station and get off at the Nagasakocho bus stop.
  • Takehara Kofun Burial Mound
    rating-image
    4.0
    1 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Fukuoka Miyawaka Takehara 731-2
    An ancient burial mound located on the grounds of Suwa Shrine in Takehara, Miyawaka City. Built in the latter half of the sixth century the burial mound has a round shape with a diameter of nearly 18 meters and stands nearly five-meters tall. The interior features decorations including wall paintings causing it to be classified as a Decorative Burial Mound. A vivid mural remains within the mound and a variety of burial accessories have been excavated the Burial mound has been designated as a National Historic Site.

    九州北部で6世紀に造られたという装飾古墳の中でも、20kmほど南にある王塚古墳とともに日本有数の装飾古墳として国指定文化財(史跡)になっています。古墳のある諏訪神社下の資料館受付で入場料を払うと古墳の中に入ってガラス越しに見事な壁画を見ることができます。九州自動車道若宮インター近くに竹原古墳の看板があり、是非見て欲しい古墳です。

  • Ohitayama Tatara Iron Works
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Hagishi Shibuki 10257-5 North side of Yamaguchi dam
    "This is an archeological of ironworks site in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The furnace used at the time is called ""Tatara"" and the produced iron by melting the raw material iron sand with the heat of burning charcoal. In 2015, the site was designated as a ""Site of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution including Steel and Ironmaking, Ship Building and the Coal Industry"" by the UNESCO world heritage. The buildings maintained at the site date back to the end of the Edo period (1603–1868)."
  • Kojindani Ruins
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Hikawachoukamba 873-8 In Arashi Kamiya Historical Park
    These ruins were discovered in 1983 and 358 bronze swords from the Yayoi period and other bronze ware were excavated. The discovery of six bell-shaped bronze pots and 16 bronze spearheads deepened interest of the Yayoi period. Have fun at the park with reconstructed dwellings and a museum while thinking of the ancient times.
  • Cemetery of Mito Tokugawa Family
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Hitachiotashi Zuiryuchou Tsukanoiri 2092
    A cemetery which contains the remains of generations of the Mito Tokugawa family located in Hitachiota City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Unusual for such a place in Japan, the cemetery was created in a unique shape based on Confucian principals and runs 360 meters east-west, 500 meters north-south, and spans 65 to 134 meters above sea level. In 2007, the cemetery was designated a National Historic Site.
  • Sakamoto Family Gravesite
    Travel / Tourism
    Kouchi Pref. Kouchishi Yamatechou
    This gravesite is located in Tanchiyama, Yamate-cho, Kochi City. It is the final resting place of Sakamoto Ryoma’s parents, sister, and other family members. The gravesite, which was consolidated from two separate gravesites, has been developed as a historic park, making it a pilgrimage site for Sakamoto Ryoma fans from across the country.
  • Uenohara Jomon no Mori Park
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagoshima Pref. Kirishimashi Kokubuenoharajoumonnomori 1-1
    "The park was developed to preserve and utilize the Uenohara Site, a large sedentary settlement of 9,500 years ago, designated as a national historic site. The ""Uenohara Jomon no Mori Exhibit Hall"", the ""Strata Observation Hall"", and the ""Site Preservation Hall"" are all located in the area, each of which exhibits on different themes. In addition, 10 pit dwellings from the Jomon period to the Kofun period have been restored, and an athletic field and an open space with grass are also in place. Furthermore, visitors can try their hand at making earthenware vessels, making magatama (comma-shaped beads), and making fire at the ""Hands-on Learning Hall""."
  • Kozan Cemetery (The modern burial site of the Mori family)
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Yamaguchishi Kouzanchou In the park
    "Located a 20-minute drive from the Ogori Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway in Kayama Park, this is the cemetery for feudal lords of the Choshu domain. It was designated as a national historic site in 1981 along with the former Tenjuin Temple, Daishoin Temple and the Tokoji Temple Mouri family tomb in Hagi City. In addition to the 13th lord Takachika Mouri and his wife, seven tombs such as those for generations of the Mouri family, and a tomb of the mother of Hidenari Mouri, the first family head, still remain. The cobblestones in the foreground are called ""Nightingale Stone Paving "" due to the beautiful sounds made when you clap your hands on the stone pavement causing the reflecting sound on the stone steps."
  • Sanmaizuka Tumulus
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Namegatashi Okisu 467-1
    This kofun (ancient burial mound) is located on the side of National Route 355 in Okisu, Namegata City. The 85-meter-long keyhole-shaped tumulus is estimated to have been built in the late 5th century. Three archeological surveys of the site have been conducted since 1955. The items excavated in these surveys have been designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The surrounding area has been developed into Sanmaizuka Kofun Noson Park.
  • Grave of Ota Dokan
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Iseharashi Kamikasuya 1160
    This gravesite, that of late Muromachi period samurai commander Ota Dokan, is located on the grounds of Banryuzan Toshoin Temple in Kamikasuya, Isehara City. It has been designated by the city as a Cultural Property. It is said his remains were cremated at this temple, which he himself had revived, after he met his untimely death at the home of his lord, Uesugi Sadamasa, which is believed to have been located in nearby Kasuya. There is another grave of Ota Dokan at Daijiji Temple in nearby Shimokasuya, Isehara City.
  • Tomb of Emperor Meiji
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Kyoutoshi Fushimi-ku Momoyamachoukojousan
    The tomb of Emperor Meiji is located on Momoyama Hill in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. Emperor Meiji died in the Imperial Palace on July 30, 1912. A traditional burial mound with a square base and round top, each side of the lower square tier is 60 meters long, while the upper round top is 6.3 meters tall and its dome is covered with gravel. The surrounding area is managed by the Imperial Household Agency and is adjoined to the east by the East Mound of the Fushimi Momoyama Ryo, a burial mound containing the emperor's wife Empress Shoken.
  • Remains of Hokkedo Temple (Tombs of Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hojo Yoshitoki)
    Travel / Tourism
    Kanagawa Pref. Kamakurashi Nishimikado 2
    Ruins located in Nishi Mikado, Kamakura City. These are the remnants of Jibutsudo (Hokkedo), a hall memorializing Minamoto no Yoritomo—who founded the Kamakura shogunate—and Hojo Yoshitoki—the second Hojo shikken. The hall was destroyed during the haibutsu kishaku of the Meiji period, and currently standing are the stone tower said to be the grave of Minamoto no Yoritomo, and the Nishi Mikado Shirahata Shrine. They are Nationally Designated Ruins.
  • Hiraide Ruins
    Travel / Tourism
    Nagano Shiojiri-shi Soga Hiraide
    One of Japan's three main sites along with the Yoshinogari Ruins in Saga and the Toro Ruins in Shizuoka. The strip extends about one kilometer from east to west and about 300 meters from north to south. It was the site of a large settlement from the Jomon period to the Heian period. To date, nearly 300 features and artifacts have been excavated, including pit dwellings, structural remains, earthenware, and stoneware. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1952. Currently, part of the site has been improved and restored as the Hiraide Ruins Park. It has numerous facilities giving visitors an experience of life in those ancient days.
  • Fudoki-no-Oka Historical Park
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Takayama-shi Akahokimachi 400-2
    A historic park located about five minutes from Takayama Interchange. Fudoki-no-Oka Historical Park contains a replica of an ancient village with recreations of Jomon and Kofun period dwellings, the grave of Narita Masatoshi, founder of Shunkei lacquerware, and the Kofun Hiroba where there used to be a burial mound from an important person who lived some 1,500 years ago. There are also a variety of cultural properties within walking distance you can visit. These include the site of the kiln that made the roofing tiles for Kokubunji Temple, the inner sanctuary of the local Kumano-jinja Shrine, and the an enormous cedar tree. On clear days, the Japanese Alps are visible from the learning center with displays of artifacts excavated from the city.
  • Yoshitsugu Otani Grave
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Fuwa-gun Sekigaharacho Fujishita 678-2
    This grave is located in Sekigahara Town, Fuwa County. Known as an ally of Ishida Mitsunari, general of the Western Army in the Battle of Sekigahara, the grave of Otani Yoshitsugu is found at the north end of the Site of the Battle Camp of Otani Yoshitsugu. Before his aide Yuasa Gosuke was struck down by enemy Todo Niemon, he first passed on the knowledge of the whereabouts of the head of his master, who had committed suicide, and begged him for a memorial service. This made such an impression on Todo that after the war he erected a tomb for Yuasa Gosuke as well.
  • No Tombs
    Travel / Tourism
    Gifu Ibi-gun Onocho No
    These ancient tombs are located in the No, Ono Town, Ibi County. These burial mounds were built from the latter half of the 5th century through the beginning of the 6th century. There are nine tombs remaining, and another eight were found as the result of an excavation. Of these, 14 are designated national heritage sites.
  • Raijinyama Kofun (Burial Mound)
    Travel / Tourism
    Miyagi Natori-shi Uematsu Yama Medeshimaazukishima Katahirayama
    An ancient burial mound built on the eastern tip of the Medashima Hill spreading over central Natori City. The keyhole shaped tomb is the largest in the Tohoku region and is a three-level design with a 168-meter-long axis, a 96-meter-long rear circular section, and a height of 12 meters. It's assumed to have been built in the late 4th century/early 5th century and based on size and excavated articles is thought to have been the tomb of the head of a powerful clan who ruled over a wide area. It is now kept as a historical park and a large number of cherry trees are planted over the area making this a well-known spot for cherry-blossom viewing.
  • Susoezoana Kofun
    Travel / Tourism
    Ishikawa Nanao-shi Notojimasusomachi
    This kofun burial mound from the late Kofun period was designated as a national historic site in 1981. The certified area is 2,324 square meters, and the Sue ware covered sake cups and straight swords excavated from the antechamber are dated to around the seventh century. It is believed that this tomb houses someone from an important family of high-level government official in Noto region.
  • Kiusu Earthwork Burial Circles
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Chitoseshi Chuou
    This mass burial site, located near the Chitose-higashi interchange on the Doto Expressway, dates back to the ancient Jomon period. This site is the largest such burial ground from this period in Japan. Comprised of eight burial mounds in total, the mounds are characterized by a donut-shaped earthen embankment surrounding a sunken pit. This style has only been seen in Hokkaido and teaches us about the social systems of the people who lived here regarding burial rites and ancestor worship. Actual artifacts from the site are displayed in the Chitose Archaeological Center to the west in Chitose City.
  • Naniwa no Miya Palace Ruins (Naniwa no Miya Ato Park)
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Houenzaka 1
    Located a five-minute walk from Morinomiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, this historical park spans across the Hoenzaka area. According to an excavation conducted by Tokutaro Yamane, a professor at Osaka City University, these are the discovered ruins of the Naniwa no Miya Palace whose location remained unknown although there were records. The area is approx. 90,000 square meters, and has been designated as a historic site, and the excavation and restoration of buildings that once existed there is underway. You can see breathtaking views of Osaka Castle from the Daigokuden (Great Audience Hall) restored in the Showa period (1926-1989).

Search for Travel Information from Photographs

Browse Interests