A terminal-period tomb whose polychrome murals were discovered in 1972. The painted stones were removed with the dismantled chamber in 2007, conserved through fiscal 2019, and remain under Agency for Cultural Affairs management. The mound interior is closed; copies of the murals and a reconstruction model can be viewed at the Takamatsuzuka Mural Hall.
Finds & research
Finds include lacquered-coffin fragments, coffin fittings, copper nails, sword fittings, a sea-beast-and-grapevine mirror, and glass and amber beads. Murals survive on the east, west, and north walls and ceiling; no Vermilion Bird has been confirmed on the south wall.
Official status & archaeological view
Official status
The mound became a National Special Historic Site in 1973; the murals were designated National Treasures and the finds Important Cultural Properties in 1974. It is a component of the World Heritage property Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara, inscribed in 2026.
Archaeological view
A two-tiered round mound, 23m across at the lower tier, 18m at the upper tier, and 5m high (per the national government park; Asuka Village gives a diameter of about 24m). A 2005 investigation dated it to the Fujiwara-kyo period (694–710). The dressed-tuff chamber bears the Blue Dragon on the east, White Tiger on the west, Black Tortoise on the north, sun and moon, male and female groups, and a ceiling star chart. No Vermilion Bird survives on the south wall, which was breached by looters.
Field notes
The Takamatsuzuka area of Asuka Historical National Government Park is within walking distance of Kintetsu Asuka Station. Check current Agency for Cultural Affairs guidance for original-mural viewing periods and reservations.