Fujinoki Tumulus Day

What Is Fujinoki Tumulus Day?

September 25th is "Fujinoki Tumulus Day" (藤ノ木古墳記念日, Fujinoki Kofun Kinenbi). On September 25, 1985, during the first excavation of the Fujinoki Tumulus in Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture, its horizontal stone chamber and house-shaped stone sarcophagus were uncovered. Later investigations revealed a wealth of lavish burial goods, which had a major impact on the study of the Kofun period.

What Happened on September 25?

The first excavation of the Fujinoki Tumulus took place from July to December 1985, and it was during this work that the chamber and sarcophagus came to light. Gilt-bronze horse fittings and other items were found between the sarcophagus and the back wall.

• 1985: The first excavation uncovered the stone chamber and house-shaped sarcophagus.
• 1988: A fiberscope was used to look inside the sarcophagus, the first time this was done in an excavation in Japan, and in October of that year the lid was opened for the first time in about 1,400 years.
• Never looted: The tomb had not been robbed and remained close to how it was at the time of burial.

About the Fujinoki Tumulus

The Fujinoki Tumulus is a round burial mound (円墳, enpun) from the late 6th century (late Kofun period), located about 350 meters west of the Western Precinct of Hōryūji Temple.

• Shape: A round mound about 50 meters in diameter (some sources say about 48 meters) and about 9 meters high.
• Date: Late 6th century.
• Name: Taken from the local place name; old Hōryūji records called it "Misasaki."

What the Excavation Revealed

The finds from the Fujinoki Tumulus were designated together as a National Treasure in 2004 as valuable materials for understanding Kofun-period culture.

• Gilt-bronze horse trappings: The gilt-bronze saddle fittings are considered among the most lavish horse gear of ancient East Asia.
• Goods inside the sarcophagus: A gilt-bronze crown and shoes, four bronze mirrors, swords, and more than 10,000 glass beads were found.
• Two occupants: Two people were buried together in a single house-shaped sarcophagus.
• Edo-period lamp dishes: Oil lamp dishes from the Edo period were also found in the chamber, suggesting that memorial rites continued for a long time.

Facts About the Fujinoki Tumulus

• Who was buried here? A leading theory holds that the occupants were Prince Anahobe and Prince Yakabe, who were killed by Soga no Umako, but this has not been confirmed.
• A protected tomb: Until the Edo period, tomb keepers were stationed there and local people looked after it, which is considered one reason it was never looted.
• Where the finds are kept: The National Treasure artifacts are kept and displayed at the Museum, Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture.
• Visiting the area: The tumulus grounds are maintained as a park, and replicas of the main finds are on display at the nearby Ikaruga Cultural Properties Center.

Ways to Enjoy and Learn on This Day

• Visit the Fujinoki Tumulus together with Hōryūji and feel the ancient history of Ikaruga.
• See the National Treasure finds at the Kashihara museum.
• Read about life and politics in the Kofun period.
• Compare the different theories about who was buried in the tomb.

A 1,400-Year-Old Brilliance Sleeping in a Stone Coffin

September 25th's "Fujinoki Tumulus Day" commemorates a valuable discovery that brings ancient Japan to life. Let your imagination wander to its mysterious occupants and enjoy the romance of the Kofun period.