Takamatsuzuka Kofun

& Mural Museum

A Window into Ancient Japan's Art and Astronomy

Nestled in the heart of Asuka Village, Takamatsuzuka Kofun is a small burial mound with a monumental legacy. Discovered in 1972, this 7th–8th century tomb stunned the world with its vividly preserved wall paintings—featuring colorful depictions of courtly women, constellations, and guardians of the afterlife. These murals offer a rare glimpse into the art, fashion, and cosmology of Japan’s Asuka Period.

While the original murals are protected in a climate-controlled facility, the nearby Takamatsuzuka Mural Museum allows visitors to view stunning full-scale reproductions and learn about the excavation, preservation, and cultural context of the tomb. For travelers interested in archaeology, ancient Japanese culture, or early Asian art, this site is a must-see—quiet yet profound, tucked into the lush countryside where Japan's imperial past is etched in stone and color.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Takamatsuzuka Kofun to life.

A grassy hillside with a wooden fence and neatly trimmed bushes, with trees on either side and a partly cloudy sky overhead.
Green grassy mound with trees and blue sky in the background.
Stone sign with Japanese characters in front of a building entrance, surrounded by small green bushes, with a wooden fence and signs inside the building visible behind.
Display of traditional Japanese clothing on mannequins inside a museum, with a backdrop of historical paintings and information signs.
Ancient mural painting displayed in a glass case at a museum, with informational plaques below.
Ancient mural painting depicting three groups of people in traditional attire, surrounded by a muted, weathered background. The mural is behind glass in a museum setting.
Ancient Chinese mural painting depicting four women dressed in traditional attire, with one playing a string instrument and the others standing around.
A wall with peeling paint and an illustration of a lizard in the center
Ancient mural of a dragon painted on a weathered wall.
Display of traditional Korean clothing on mannequins in a museum exhibit, with people viewing historic artifacts and murals in the background.