雲外蒼天123
If you search for a route to Todaijiyama Tumulus on Google Maps, you will be directed to go through Tenrikyo Johōdai Church. The Todaijiyama Tumulus is located at the top of the vast grounds. The church's gates are always open and there are no complaints, but it is best to call in advance so you can visit with peace of mind. I am not a Tenrikyo member, but Tenrikyo facilities welcome visitors. This is probably ``ojiba gaeri.'' The tumulus is one of the largest keyhole-shaped tumuli in the area, but its shape is unclear as it is surrounded by a bamboo forest. You can go to the top of the tumulus, but unfortunately you cannot see the view from there. It must have been a spectacular sight when it was built. It is strange that this is not under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Agency.
初花さなえ
This is an ancient tomb in which a 103 cm gold-inlaid ``gold-inlaid flower-shaped ring-headed sword'' inscribed with gold and dated to the year ``Zhongping'' (184-189) from China's Later Han Dynasty was excavated. This great sword is currently the oldest in Japan with a chronology, and there is a theory that it was the great sword that was given to Himiko along with the National Treasure Golden Seal "Kan-Kan-no-King".
The burial mound was built in the 4th century and was buried about 200 years later, with a bronze pommel added later in Japan. It seems to be a treasure unique to the Kazuhi clan who supported the ancient Yamato kingdom, but it is a mystery added to the mysterious Yamataikoku.
The Todaijiyama Tumulus, so named because it was part of the territory of Todaiji Temple, is a keyhole-shaped tumulus with a total length of 130 to 140 meters, and is the largest of the Kazuhi clan's strongholds. The burial facility consisted of a clay coffin with a wooden coffin, and many grave goods in the shape of a long sword, bracelets, and tomoe-shaped bronze vessels were also unearthed. In 2017, the designation was changed from an important cultural property to a national treasure as an "Artifact excavated from the Todaijiyama Tumulus," and it is now on permanent display in the archaeological exhibition room on the 1st floor of the Heiseikan at the Tokyo National Museum.
Touring the ancient tombs is difficult and is not recommended.
The tourist information leaflet states that you need to contact the office of Tenrikyo Johōdai Church, not the historic park.
It has not been restored.
Like the Akatsuchiyama Tumulus, the west side of the tumulus was lost in a later landslide, but only a little of the east side remains of the front part, and about half of the circular part of the back part (up to the burial facility) has collapsed toward the northwest. The keyhole-shaped tumulus that we are used to seeing is no longer there, as it is not secured and the entire area is covered with bamboo thickets. If you climb up the path next to the information board, you will reach the top of the back circle, but there is no guide or view, just a place where no bamboo grows. (The depression on the northwest side is the remains of a burial facility)
The Akatsuchiyama Tumulus, also part of the Todaijiyama Tumulus Cluster, has been restored and maintained, so we recommend visiting that tumulus.