History
Ishibutai Burial Mound 石舞台古墳
The massive stone tomb of a powerful sixth-century warlord and ally of Prince Shotoku
Visit the scenic grounds of one of the largest rectangular tomb in Japan to explore its ancient mysteries. Visit in the spring to experience the glorious cherry blossoms that surround the gigantic stones or in the winter to enjoy the snowy landscape.
It is believed that the man buried here was the head of the powerful Soga clan, Soga no Umako, who worked with Prince Shotoku and spread the influence of Buddhism in Japan.
Don't Miss
- Entering the tomb to fully experience its massive scale
- Exploring the surrounding natural landscape
Quick Facts
It is believed that the burial mound was built in the sixth century for the powerful Soga family
The ceiling stones weigh around 140 tons in total
How to Get There
Ishibutai can be accessed by train, bus, or bicycle.
Ishibutai is a slight distance away from Okadera and Asuka train stations. However, renting a bicycle from a station and exploring the local area is a wonderful way to get the most out of your visit.
Ishibutai burial mound
A stage surrounded by nature
The remarkable Ishibutai Burial Mound stands as a reminder of the huge power the Soga family wielded in the 6th century. The tomb is known as the “stone stage” due to the huge, flat stone that sits atop the structure. It is easy to see how it gained the name since the structure looks like it could be host to a ghostly performance.
Cherry blossom at Ishibutai burial mound
The surroundings of the tomb
The natural surroundings of the tomb are also a huge pull for visitors. Enjoy the pink cherry blossoms in the spring, the spider lily flowers in the autumn, and the snow that covers the tomb in the winter. Throughout the year, there is always a way to enjoy the fusion of history and nature at this historic spot.
* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.
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