🗺️ Ishibutai Kofun (Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture)明日香村・石舞台古墳

The Ishibutai Tumulus is located in the Ishibutai area of the Asuka Historical Park, which is managed by the national government. The Asuka Historical Park was specially constructed to protect and utilize the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Asuka region, covering a total area of approximately 60 hectares and consisting of five areas. These include the "Takamatsuzuka Surrounding Area," which features the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus; the "Amakashi Hill Area," where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Asuka; the "Iwashiro Area," which has a walking path leading to the Ishibutai Tumulus; the "Kameko Tumulus Surrounding Area," where the Kameko Tumulus can be visited; and the "Ishibutai Area," where the Ishibutai Tumulus is located. The Ishibutai Tumulus is made up of over 30 massive stones, featuring Japan's largest horizontal stone chamber. The total weight of the stones is approximately 2,300 tons, with the mound measuring about 50 meters in length and surrounded by a trench that is 8.4 meters wide. Visiting the tumulus provides insight into the transportation methods and exceptional construction techniques of the time. The tumulus is set amidst beautiful nature with terraced rice fields surrounding it. In the spring, visitors can enjoy peach blossoms and cherry blossoms in the lush green landscape, while in the autumn, they can admire the cluster amaryllis. Additionally, the garden of Soga no Umako, a politician and powerful figure from the Asuka period (592 to 710), is nearby, leading to the belief that the Ishibutai Tumulus is the burial site of Soga no Umako.

It has the largest horizontal stone chamber in Japan, built around the end of the 6th century. It is said that the person buried here was Soga no Umako, a politician and powerful figure from Japan's Asuka period. Located in the stone stage area of the National Asuka Historical Park, it also boasts beautiful natural scenery.