Nintoku Tenno Ryo
(Sakai City, Osaka)
【Emperor Nintoku（仁徳天皇）】, the 16th legendary ruler of Japan in the late 4th century, was known as the “Saint Emperor” for his benevolent governance. He initiated major infrastructure projects, building embankments and irrigation canals to protect the land from floods. One day, he noticed that no smoke rose from the houses, indicating that people had no food to cook. He was moved by the widespread poverty of his subjects and decided to forgive taxes for three years, giving them much-needed relief.
Despite his achievements, he was unable to satisfy his romantic desires. He attempted to take concubines, but his primary wife frightened them off and banished them from the palace. One day, the Emperor managed to bring a woman to his palace while his wife was away on a trip to harvest a sacred plant. However, she discovered the truth and left for her hometown, never to return to his palace.
The tomb of Emperor Nintoku is the largest tomb in the world by surface area. It is surrounded by three concentric moats filled with water, creating a grand and impressive sight. The tomb was originally decorated with stones that shone in the sunlight, making it sparkle from a distance. On top of these stones were cylindrical clay figures called haniwa, which served as both offerings and charms for the departed emperor. This monumental tomb represents the power and cultural legacy of the nation in that era.
During Emperor Nintoku’s reign, emperors often changed their residences between present-day Nara and Osaka Prefectures. A road linked these two regions, forming one of the oldest road systems. The mounds of Emperor Nintoku and his father, Emperor Ōnin, who has the second-largest tomb in Japan, were along this route. Travelers going from Osaka to Nara would have been amazed and overwhelmed by the sight of these massive mounds. Both of the tumuli are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In the 16th century, local people enjoyed visiting the tomb as a recreational activity. They rode small boats to the mound and picked wild vegetables to cook on the spot. However, the local government office had rules that prohibited excessive drinking, quarreling, and other disruptive behavior, emphasizing the need for respectful enjoyment. There was also a restriction: visitors could not enter the moat that encircled the top of the mound.
Nowadays, the Imperial Household Agency does not permit anyone to enter the mound. You can only see the outer moat and dike from the walking trail (2.8km) around the tomb. On the south side of the tomb, there is a worship area where you can see a part of the inner hill of the keyhole-shaped burial mound covered by lush greenery.
Nowadays, the Imperial Household Agency does not permit anyone to enter the mound. You can only see the outer moat and dike from the walking trail (2.8km) around the tomb. On the south side of the tomb, there is a worship area where you can see a part of the inner hill of the keyhole-shaped burial mound covered by lush greenery.
0コメント