Ishibutai Kofun

Located in the Ishibutai district of the Asuka Historical National Government Park is Japan's largest keyhole-shaped tomb, the Ishibutai Kofun. Built by stacking 30 huge stones with a total weight of about 2,300 tons, it fascinates many people with its size and weightiness. Designated as a special national historic site, it is a must-visit tourist spot for those interested in ancient history. You can visit for an admission fee of 300 yen (100 yen for high school and elementary school students), and there are walking paths around the area.

Around the Ishibutai Kofun, there are different charms to enjoy in each season. In spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossom trees and the night cherry blossom illumination event, creating a fantastic atmosphere. In summer, you can have a picnic or take a stroll in the nature-rich park, and in autumn, the beautiful autumn leaves will delight your eyes. There is also a lawn square that utilizes the existing terraced fields around the Ishibutai Kofun, where many families spend their time relaxing.

The Ishibutai Kofun is an important historical site that gives us a glimpse into the excellent civil engineering and transportation technology of the time. The wide, flat surface of the ceiling stones is a characteristic feature that looks like a stage. From this shape, it has been called "Ishibutai" since ancient times. It is estimated to have been built around the beginning of the 7th century, and the buried person is believed to be Sogamiko, although it is not clear.

To the north of Ishibutai Kofun, about a 20-minute walk away, is Okadera, a temple built during the Asuka period. Okadera is a famous place in Asuka's history, located in the center of Asuka-kyo. It is also known as Japan's first place of worship for warding off evil spirits, and many people visit it. If you venture further, there are also tourist spots scattered around where you can learn about ancient history, such as the Asuka Museum and the Asuka-dera Temple ruins.

Asuka Village, home to the Ishibutai Kofun, is a popular tourist spot where you can experience ancient burial mounds and nature. There are rental bike shops around Kintetsu Asuka Station, making it easy to enjoy cycling. With plenty of cycling courses available, you can fully enjoy nature and history. While gazing at the peaceful countryside, you can visit historical spots such as burial mounds and temples, giving you a feeling of time-traveling back to the Asuka period.

At the Asuka Road Station, located right in front of the Kintetsu Asuka Station, you can obtain essential information for touring the various attractions scattered throughout the village. In addition to baggage storage services, volunteer guides offer tours and historical explanations on weekends and holidays (excluding quiet periods). You can also use the shuttle bus or rent a bicycle from here. Across the road, there is the "Asuka Dream Sales Office," where you can get local souvenirs such as local ingredients and processed goods.