Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Spots in Around Izumo Oyashiro Area

  • 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.
  • Imaichi Dainenji Kofun
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Izumo-shi Imaichicho Taka no Sawa 1696
    Built approximately 1,500 years ago, this is the largest keyhole-shaped mound in the prefecture. It's about 92 meters long; judging from the artifacts unearthed when the stone chamber was discovered, it was the tomb of a powerful western Izumo ruler. Many royal tombs are concentrated in this area between Hii and Kando rivers. In the rear circular portion of the mound is a 12.8-meter long and 3.3-meter high stone tunnel grave. It has two house-shaped sarcophagi, one large and one small. At an estimated weight of 10 tons, the sarcophagus to the rear is among the largest in Japan.
  • Izumo Okuni no Haka
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Izumo-shi Taishacho Kizukikita 2529
    A graveyard on the way from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine to Inasa Beach. At the top of the stone stairs from the parking lot on National Route 431, you'll find the tomb of a shrine maiden named Okuni; associated with Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, she is said to be the originator of today's Kabuki performance art. The simple stone grave is a reminder of Okuni's later years which were spent as a Buddhist nun chanting scripture and reciting poetry. It is said that the dance that was performed throughout the nation to support the repair of Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine during the Azuchi-Momoyama period became the basis of today's Kabuki. Still today performers and others with ties to the art visit to pray for successful performances.
  • Nishidani Burial Mound Park, Izumo Yayoinomori Museum
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Izumo-shi Otsucho 2760
    A group of tombs about ten minutes by car from JR Izumoshi Station. Created between the Yayoi and Kofun periods, the Nishidani Burial Mounds are now administered as a park. There is a great concentration of tombs in the area between Hii and Kando rivers. The rectangular burial mounds with four outward protruding corners are said to be the largest in Japan and are known nationally for being the tombs of ancient Izumo's elite. The slopes of all six mounds are covered with stones and they are surrounded by stone paving and rows of rocks. The inside of the No. 2 Tomb where glass bracelets and funerary pottery have been unearthed can be viewed anytime except during the New Year's holiday.
  • Hanareyama Ancienct Burial Mound
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Izumo-shi Koshicho
  • Kamienya Jizoyama Ancienct Burial Mound
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Izumo-shi Kamienyacho
  • Kamienya Tsukiyama Ancienct Burial Mound
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Izumo-shi Kamienyacho
  • Ageshima Ancienct Burial Mound
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Izumo-shi Kunidomicho
  • Dainenji Temple Ancienct Burial Mound
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Izumo-shi Imaichicho

Shimane Areas

around-area-map

What Shimane prefecture lacks in size and population, it makes up for in scenery and ancient mythology. Izumo-taisha, in the middle of the prefecture, is said to be Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine, where stories that delve into the creation of the Japanese race have been passed down over centuries. The 180 Oki Islands, a 40-minute ferry ride north of Sakaiminato, offer an undiscovered paradise well off the beaten track.

Shimane Photo Album

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