Kitora Tumulus

& Mural Experience Hall

Japan’s Ancient Zodiac Tomb

Located in the serene hills of Asuka Village, the Kitora Tumulus is a 7th–8th century burial site famous for its celestial wall paintings and intricate astronomical knowledge. Discovered in 1983, this smaller but richly decorated tomb features murals of the Four Guardian Beasts (Blue Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise), a star chart, and a vivid depiction of the 12 zodiac signs—unparalleled in East Asia for their age and detail.

To protect the fragile artwork, the original tomb is closed to the public, but visitors can explore precise digital and physical reconstructions at the Kitora Tumulus Mural Experience Hall (Shijin no Yakata). Interactive exhibits, VR displays, and scientific models make the site a fascinating destination for history lovers and families alike. It’s a rare opportunity to step into the spiritual and cosmic world of Japan’s ancient elite—where astronomy met art and myth.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Kitora Tumulus to life.

A grassy hill with trees on top and a stone marker with Japanese characters on the right side under a clear blue sky.
Small grassy hill with a rounded top, surrounded by trees and bushes in the background.
A topographic model of an archaeological site with a grassy hill, trees in the background, and a metallic model of the landscape placed on a stone pedestal. The pedestal has a label in Japanese characters.
Entrance to the Kitora Tumulus Mural Experiential Museum Shijin no Yakata, with a concrete structure, glass doors, and a sign on the wall, on a sunny day with a blue sky and grass around.
Exhibit inside a museum showing a black ceiling with illuminated zodiac symbols and a circular arrangement of red and yellow lights depicting a galaxy or constellation. There are digital screens on the walls displaying information.
Exhibit panels with Japanese and English text and images about regional history and archaeology, illuminated on a dark wall.
Ancient stone artifacts displayed in a museum exhibit, with informational signage on the left and a dark background with more displays on the right.
View of an old, narrow corridor with weathered stone walls and peeling plastered surfaces, leading to a small, dark doorway at the end.
A museum display showing a miniature or model of a traditional village scene with thatched huts, trees, and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Two people sitting in chairs watching a presentation with a large screen displaying a nature scene and Japanese subtitles.