Kitora Tomb

Kitora Tomb

Kitora Tomb is a circular burial mound constructed in the late 7th to early 8th century, located within the Asuka Historical National Government Park in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. It was accidentally discovered by a local farmer in the 1960s. The interior of the tomb is built with alternating layers of clay and sand, standing 5 meters high and with a diameter of up to 16 meters. Although the identity of the person buried remains uncertain, the murals inside the burial chamber indicate that it is the tomb of a member of the Japanese imperial family or high-ranking nobility.

The most remarkable feature of Kitora Tomb is the colorful murals painted inside the burial chamber using red, blue, gold, and silver foil. These murals depict a group of court ladies, a group of men, as well as mythical creatures from ancient China such as the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Black Tortoise, and Vermilion Bird (Suzaku). The ceiling of the chamber also features a celestial star map. Based on the attire and objects held by the figures in the paintings, as well as the highly accurate star chart on the ceiling, it is clear that the tomb's art was heavily influenced by the mural paintings found in Chinese tombs from the Tang Dynasty. These murals have now been designated as National Treasures of Japan.

Takamatsuzuka Tomb

Why Visit: One of Japan’s most significant archaeological discoveries since World War II

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: Japan[Japan]

Prefecture/State: Nara Prefecture [Nara Prefecture]

City: Asuka [Asuka Village]