Ishibutai Kofun Tumulus

Japan’s Most Iconic

Megalithic Tomb

Hidden among the quiet hills and rice fields of Asuka Village in Nara, the Ishibutai Kofun is a massive stone tomb that sparks the imagination. Believed to be the burial site of Soga no Umako—a powerful statesman who played a key role in Japan’s adoption of Buddhism—this 7th-century megalithic structure is the largest of its kind in the country. Its name, meaning “stone stage,” comes from the enormous flat rocks that resemble a performance platform, but in reality, they once formed the roof of a burial chamber.

Walking into the tomb’s cool, shadowy interior is like stepping into Japan’s ancient past—one of clan rivalries, imperial power struggles, and cultural transformation. For travelers fascinated by archaeology, early Japanese politics, or unique photo ops, Ishibutai Kofun is a must-visit destination that blends myth, mystery, and monumental architecture in a single unforgettable site.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Ishibutai Kofun Tumulus to life.

Large rocks stacked on a grassy area with trees and green mountain range in the background under a clear blue sky.
A small memorial or shrine with candles and flowers placed on a rock at the base of large boulders.
A woman stands near large boulders on a grassy area with trees and mountain hills in the background under a clear blue sky.
Two people walking down a stone staircase outdoors, with large rocks and trees in the background, on a sunny day.
Person standing inside a large narrow rock formation with big stones and cracks, sunlight streaming through openings above.
Large stone monument with a sloped top, surrounded by a paved walkway and a metal railing, with bushes and trees in the background, and an informational plaque on the right side.
An old stone water fountain with a rectangular basin and a sloped roof, covered in moss and lichen, situated outdoors with green shrubbery in the background.
Large ancient Japanese rocks forming a stone formation in a park, with green trees and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.