Mozu Mounded Tombs — Attraction in Sakai

The Mozu Mounded Tombs in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, are one of Japan’s most remarkable archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage location.

This vast cluster of ancient kofun burial mounds, dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries, reflects the power and influence of early Japanese rulers.

The most famous of these is the Daisen-ryo Kofun, believed to be the tomb of Emperor Nintoku, but the Mozu area contains dozens of keyhole, round, and square-shaped mounds, many surrounded by moats and greenery.

From ground level, the scale is impressive, but aerial views reveal the full majesty of their geometric shapes.

While the tombs themselves are not accessible to the public, visitors can explore the surrounding parks and viewpoints, which provide peaceful walks and a sense of the history hidden within the landscape.

The nearby Sakai City Museum offers excellent exhibits that explain the kofun’s construction, cultural role, and significance in Japanese history.

Visiting the Mozu Mounded Tombs offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s ancient past and the monumental legacy of its early rulers. It is a must-see for history enthusiasts and those curious about the origins of Japanese...

I travelled for two hours only to wind up in a place that much appears like a forest. So wish they had opened up the burial chambers for us to see and all. The museum was also a bit disappointing, since the exhibition was so small. However, it's worth the money where at 100¥ (student price), you can catch a movie and view the whole exhibition. But even that, the entire exhibition does not entirely have English descriptions. Halfway through the exhibition, and all the signs were...

Interesting place, but I would recommend to NOT visit the museum nearby. It's full of weird, high-tech holographic screens and tunnels that are difficult to navigate. There was this strange, blue-haired woman in an apron who was giving a speech that she would "entrust the world to idols" (whatever that means) in there, and she eventually started chasing me out with Haniwa warriors. The music that was being played in there was pretty...