Takamatsuzuka Tomb

The Takamatsuzuka Tomb (高松塚古墳) is an ancient burial mound located in Asuka, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved wall paintings, which are considered national treasures of Japan.

The tomb was discovered in 1972 and is believed to date back to the late 7th to early 8th century, during the Kofun period. It is a circular tomb with a diameter of about 16 meters (52 ft) and a height of about 5 meters (16 ft).

Inside the tomb, a small stone chamber houses a stone sarcophagus, which is believed to have held the remains of an important figure from the Asuka or early Nara period. The walls and ceiling of the chamber are adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting various scenes, including four directional guardian deities, the twelve zodiac animals, constellations, and figures known as the “Asuka Beauties.”

The frescoes are particularly notable for their use of gold leaf and mineral pigments, which have remarkably retained their vivid colors over the centuries. The precise meaning and significance of the frescoes are still debated among scholars, but they are widely regarded as a significant example of the artistic and cultural achievements of the time, reflecting influences from China and Korea.

Due to the delicate nature of the frescoes and the need for preservation, the Takamatsuzuka Tomb is not open to the public. However, visitors can view replicas of the frescoes and other artifacts excavated from the tomb at the Takamatsuzuka Mural Hall, located nearby. The hall also offers detailed information about the tomb’s history, construction, and the ongoing research efforts to understand its significance.

Getting there

By Train and Walking/Cycling

From Asuka Station:

• 10-minute walk
• 2-minute bicycle ride (rentals available at the station)

By Bus

From Asuka Station:

• Take the Kame Loop Bus
• Get off at Takamatsuzuka bus stop
• Journey time: 2 minutes
• Cost: 190 yen
• Frequency: One bus per hour

Details

• The tomb itself can only be viewed from outside
• Takamatsuzuka Mural Hall nearby offers reproductions of the tomb’s paintings
• Opening hours for Mural Hall: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30)
• Admission fee: 300 yen for adults, 130 yen for high school/university students, 70 yen for elementary/junior high students
• Closed on the second Monday of April, July, November, and February