Imashirozuka: The Only Imperial Tomb You Can Walk Into

Imashirozuka Burial Mound Park 

(Takatsuki City, Osaka) 

【Misasagi（陵）】 is a Japanese imperial tomb. From the first emperor to the present, all Misasagi are managed by the Imperial Household Agency, and the general public is not allowed to enter.　These tombs are considered sacred places for honoring the imperial ancestors, and are still places of prayer today, with their dignity and tranquility strictly preserved.

For this reason, despite their historical value, archaeological excavations are conducted only in a very limited manner. For example, the Daisenryo Tumulus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one such imperial tomb. Since it is the tomb of an emperor, visitors can only view it from outside the triple moat. As a result, some tourists have expressed disappointment, saying, “There was nothing to see―it was boring,” and have labeled it a “disappointing tourist spot.”

Amid such restrictions, there is one tumulus in Japan believed to be an imperial tomb where people are free to walk around ― the Imashirozuka Tumulus in Osaka. According to archaeologists, this tomb is believed to be that of the 26th Emperor Keitai (reigned 507–531). However, the Imperial Household Agency has designated another tumulus, located 1.3 kilometers to the west, as his official tomb. That is why the Imashirozuka Tumulus is not managed by the Agency and has instead been developed as a public park, believed to be the true imperial tomb.

At Imashirozuka Tumulus, history and everyday life coexists together. On sunny days, families spread picnic blankets and play badminton on the green lawn. This grassy open space was once a moat surrounding the tumulus. It now serves as a relaxing area for local residents. Visitors can also walk through the mound beneath the lush green trees.

Along the edge of the tumulus, cylindrical clay figures have been arranged just as they were originally placed. In one corner of the grounds, clusters of clay figure replicas ―houses, warriors, sumo wrestlers, horses, and birds―are lined up. Children are weaving through them and playing. It truly is an imperial tomb where people are free to walk around.

Historically, this tumulus was used as a fortress in the 16th century, and the stone chamber has been lost. The stone coffin of the buried individual, as well as any grave goods, has also disappeared. Parts of the mound collapsed due to major earthquakes in 1596. Even in such a damaged state, over 230 large clay figures―the largest number ever found in Japan―were unearthed at this site. The sheer scale of the findings speaks to the significance of this tomb.

It is believed that these large clay figures represent a solemn imperial succession ritual held upon the death of an emperor. The house-shaped clay figures are as tall as a person and are among the largest ever found in Japan. Their roofs reflect the architectural style of shrines, suggesting that such designs were already well-established at the time. There are also figures of stout sumo wrestlers, indicating that sumo was practiced even in those days. The warrior figures clearly depict the design of ancient armor. These elaborately crafted artifacts spark the imagination, offering a vivid glimpse into what life may have been like in that era.

In the adjoining museum, a reconstructed stone coffin and authentic clay figures are on display, offering visitors a truly impressive experience of ancient Japan.

Please visit the official website Imashirozuka Burial Mound Park.