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Nishiyama Kofun Tomb
4th Century
Two styles of tombs in one, and the largest conjoined rectangle tomb in Japan.
Nishiyama Kofun tomb is one of the unique places we can only find in Tenri City!
This fourth century tomb is especially rare because it was constructed in three levels and has two styles of tombs in one. The bottom level is a conjoined rectangle style, while the middle and top levels are the more common keyhole-shaped style. It is like having multiple tombs in one! At 190 meters in length, it is the largest conjoined rectangle style tomb in Japan.
Another great aspect of the tomb is that we can climb to the top of its mound after the grass is cut in late winter. The top of the tomb allows us to feel its size and scale, and with a 360 degree view of the area, we can feel the crisp air blowing as we enjoy the seasonal colors of the eastern mountains and trees. Please understand that as the grass grows taller, it may be difficult to climb to the top of the tomb.
Nishiyama Kofun tomb is located in an area known for the Furu Remains, and it is thought a leader of the area was buried here. Based on the items excavated from the tomb, it is also thought that the construction of this tomb was related to the Yamato Kingdom. In 1927, Nishiyama Kofun tomb was designated as a national historical landmark.
Access
By car: Nishiyama Kofun tomb is about 4 km south of the Tenri IC on the Nishi-Meihan Expressway, and 3 km south of the Tenri Higashi IC on the Meihan Expressway.
By train: Nishiyama Kofun tomb is about 2 km southeast of JR and Kintetsu Tenri Stations.
By bus: Nishiyama Kofun tomb is about 1 km east of the Magata bus stop on the Nara Kotsu Bus lines.
Environment
Nishiyama Kofun tomb is located south of the Tenri University Somanouchi Campus and northwest of the Nara Prefecture Historical and Artistic Culture Complex. There are many historical places within walking distance, such as Tenri University’s Tenri Central Library and Tenri Sankokan Museum, as well as Isonokami Jingu Shrine and the Tenrikyo Church Headquarters. It is a great area for a long walk through history!
The grass on and around the tomb is usually cut in late winter, and we can climb to the top of the tomb after that. Please understand that as the grass grows taller, it will be more difficult to climb.
Point
While keyhole-shaped tombs are more common in Japan, Nishiyama Kofun tomb is an example of a rare conjoined rectangle tomb, and the largest of its kind! Located in the middle of many historical places in Tenri City, we hope you can stop by this national historical landmark.
Map
Information
| Course： |
Tenri Station Area Course
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|---|---|
| Address： | 827 Somanouchi Town, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture |
| Admission： | Free |
| Parking： | Yes (managed by Tenri University) |
| Rest Area： | No |
| Toilet： | No |
| Contact： | |
| Website： | |
| Social Media： |
Photo Gallery
