- Culture
- Miyazaki
Special Historical Park Saitobaru Burial Mounds
The Saitobaru Burial Mounds are one of Japan’s leading burial mound sites, containing over 300 mounds in an area extending 2.6km from east to west and 4.2km from north to south in the Miyazaki Plains. Keyhole-shaped mounds line the green plateau and round mounds are built in tight succession in between them. The particularly large Mesahozuka and Osahozuka burial mounds are a symbol of power, reigning over southern Kyushu. As well as this, the Oni-no-iwaya is a round mound surrounded by earthworks, which is a rare form. You can enter the tomb of this mound.
In May 2018, "Monuments of Ancient People - Scenic Ancient Burial Mounds on the Plateaus of Tropical Miyazaki" became the first approved Japan Heritage site in Miyazaki. It is the first time in Japan a story with the theme of burial mounds has been recognized as Japan Heritage.
Most of the ancient burial mounds on the Japanese archipelago have seen their appearance change with the passing of time, but the burial mounds in the Miyazaki Plains keep an appearance close to their heyday over 1400 years ago. This is the only place in Japan where you can see pristine burial mounds with almost no buildings around. Try enjoying the burial mounds from all different angles—from the side, from above, and diagonally.
Saitobaru is famous for being one of the best flower viewing spots in Japan.
In late March every year, around 2,000 cherry trees burst into bloom along with around 300,000 rapeseed flowers, which quilt the fields in yellow. The contrast between pink and yellow under the blue sky is a sight to behold. In this season, Saito Flower Festival is held in the Goryobo-mae Square, and you can enjoy cherry blossoms lit up at night.
From mid-October to early November, around 3 million cosmos flowers cover the ground in dazzling colors. In this area of myths and legends, the Saito Kofun Matsuri (Saito Tomb Festival) is held on the first Saturday and Sunday of November. On the first day, kagura performances are offered to the gods. After this, a procession with around 800 participants clad in ancient attire carry torchlights to Saitobaru Goryobo-mae. The torchlights delivered are used in a spectacular “fire festival,” which symbolizes ancient mythology through music and dances. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the fantastic world of mythology. On the second day, there are events that allow guests to experience ancient Japan, and religious events that provide the chance to encounter all of the traditional crafts of the city in one place.
Location
| Name | Special Historical Park Saitobaru Burial Mounds |
|---|---|
| Web Sites | (In Japanese) http://mppf.or.jp/saito/ |
| Address | Miyake, Saito-shi, Miyazaki |
| Access | Around 40 minutes from inside Miyazaki City via National Route 219, around 10 minutes from Saito IC, Higashi-Kyushu Expressway |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0983-42-0024 (Saito City Tourism Association) |
