The gold sword inscribed with 115 characters, excavated from the Inariyama mound, is a National Treasure.
Nine large burial mounds (kofun, the mound tombs of the Japanese aristocracy of the 5th–7th centuries) dot a park of about 30 hectares. The Maruhakayama, 105 m in diameter, is the largest circular mound in Japan and you can climb to the top: in 1590 Ishida Mitsunari set up his headquarters there during the siege of nearby Oshi Castle. The park museum displays the Kinsakumei sword, found in the Inariyama mound and designated a National Treasure.
The group of mounds, built between the 5th and the early 7th century, gave its name to Saitama Prefecture (the place name 埼玉/さきたま already appears at this site). It was raised to national Special Historic Site status (the highest level of protection) in 2020.
ℹ️ The Sakitama Provincial History Museum, inside the park, is open 9:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00), extended to 9:00–17:00 from 1 July to 31 August (last entry 16:30). The outdoor park, with the mounds, can be walked freely. Access: loop bus from Gyoda (JR Takasaki Line) to the ‘Sakitama Kofun Park’ bus stop, about 15 minutes; free car park (295 cars, 33 buses).
🚉 産業道路 · 18 min walk
Holidays in Japan? Plan them with us.Over 2,000 real places, a day-by-day itinerary.FreeOpen the map →Sources: chocotabi-saitama.jp