Takamatsuzuka Kofun is a late-period burial mound located in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture, within Asuka Historical National Government Park. Believed to have been constructed during the Fujiwara-kyō period (694–710), it is a circular tomb built in two tiers. The lower tier measures approximately 23 meters in diameter, the upper tier about 18 meters, and the mound stands around 5 meters high.
The site became famous throughout Japan in 1972, when archaeologists discovered exceptionally vivid, multicolored murals inside its stone burial chamber. These paintings are among the most important surviving examples of ancient Japanese wall art. Today, the burial mound is open to visitors, while the original murals have been transferred to a specialized conservation facility to protect them for future generations.
The story of Takamatsuzuka Kofun’s discovery began around October 1970, when a local resident digging into the ground to store ginger uncovered what appeared to be ancient cut stones. Asuka Village subsequently requested an archaeological investigation, which was undertaken by the Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture.
Excavations officially began on March 1, 1972, under the direction of archaeologist Date Muneyasu and other specialists, with the participation of researchers and students from Kansai University and Ryukoku University. On March 21, the team discovered brilliantly colored murals inside the burial chamber. The find attracted nationwide attention and became a landmark event in Japanese archaeology.
Following the discovery, the Agency for Cultural Affairs rapidly organized further investigations and conservation measures. An academic survey was conducted in April 1972, followed by multidisciplinary research involving archaeologists and conservation scientists. These studies revealed the artistic sophistication of the paintings and their importance for understanding the culture of the Asuka period.
Takamatsuzuka Kofun was designated a Special Historic Site of Japan on April 23, 1973. The wall paintings were designated National Treasures on April 17, 1974, recognizing their exceptional historical and artistic significance.
Evidence indicates that the tomb was looted around the Kamakura period (1185–1333). A hole made by the intruders remains in the southern wall of the burial chamber. Despite this disturbance, much of the mural decoration survived, and several valuable burial objects were also recovered during archaeological investigations.
The burial chamber is an example of a side-entrance stone burial chamber, known in Japanese as a yokoguchi-shiki sek-kaku. It has an elongated structure with an entrance passage on the southern side. The chamber is constructed from precisely cut blocks of tuff and measures approximately 265 centimeters from north to south, 103 centimeters from east to west, and 113 centimeters in height.
This type of burial structure appeared in tombs dating from around the mid-7th century to the beginning of the 8th century. Takamatsuzuka belongs to a group of related archaeological sites that includes Oni no Manaita and Oni no Setchin, the burial complex traditionally associated with Emperor Saimei, and Kitora Kofun. Together, these sites help researchers trace changes in elite burial practices during the final stages of the Kofun period and the beginning of the Nara period.
The murals were painted on a plaster surface covering the walls and ceiling of the burial chamber. Their subjects include human figures, the sun and moon, the Four Guardian Deities, and groups of stars. The Four Guardian Deities are the Azure Dragon of the east, White Tiger of the west, Vermilion Bird of the south, and Black Tortoise of the north. In traditional East Asian cosmology, these supernatural creatures protect the four cardinal directions.
Among the most celebrated images are the female figures on the western wall, popularly known as the Asuka Beauties. Their colorful garments, hairstyles, and carefully depicted facial features have made them iconic images of ancient Japanese art, frequently reproduced in history textbooks and cultural publications.
The figures are generally interpreted as attendants or court figures associated with formal court ceremonies. Their clothing and the objects they carry provide clues to the rituals and social customs of the time. The murals also reveal the influence of artistic traditions shared across East Asia, reflecting the cultural exchanges that connected ancient Japan with the Asian continent.
The identity of the person buried in Takamatsuzuka Kofun remains unknown. Several theories have been proposed, based on the tomb’s date, the estimated age of the human remains, its elaborate decoration, and its possible connections with continental cultures.
One theory proposes that the tomb belonged to a son of Emperor Tenmu, such as Prince Osakabe, Prince Takechi, or Prince Yuge. Prince Osakabe is sometimes considered a plausible candidate because the estimated age of the remains, approximately 40 to 60 years, may fit his lifetime. Prince Yuge, who died relatively young, is generally regarded as a less likely possibility. However, no candidate has been conclusively identified.
Another theory suggests that the occupant was a powerful court official rather than a member of the imperial family. Ishigami no Maro is among the individuals proposed. If the tomb belonged to a person active in a later period, its construction date could potentially extend into the Nara period, although this remains a matter of scholarly debate.
A further possibility is that the tomb belonged to a member of a royal family originating on the Korean Peninsula, such as King Zenko of Baekje or a figure associated with Goguryeo royalty. This theory draws attention to the close historical relationships and cultural exchanges between Japan and the ancient kingdoms of Korea. The occupant’s identity, however, has not been established.
To protect the fragile paintings from deterioration, the original murals were transferred to a dedicated conservation facility in 2007. Conservation and restoration work was completed in March 2020. The paintings are preserved under carefully controlled conditions, while plans for public interpretation have included reproductions and reconstructed displays at facilities within Asuka Historical National Government Park.
The burial mound itself was provisionally restored to reflect its original form in 2009 and is open to the public. Visitors can view the exterior and explore the surrounding historical landscape while learning about the remarkable artistic achievements of the Asuka period. Access to the original burial chamber and its conserved murals is restricted for preservation reasons, so visitors should check the latest exhibition arrangements before their trip.
Takamatsuzuka Kofun is one of Japan’s most significant archaeological sites, offering insights into ancient burial customs, court culture, and the development of Japanese art. The discovery of its vibrant murals in 1972 was a defining moment in the study of the country’s early history, and decades of research and conservation have helped preserve their extraordinary value.
For visitors exploring Asuka Village, a visit to Takamatsuzuka Kofun offers an opportunity to connect with a period when Japan was developing its early state institutions while absorbing artistic and cultural influences from across East Asia. Combined with nearby ancient tombs, temples, and archaeological sites, it makes an essential stop for anyone interested in the origins of Japanese civilization.