重要文化財 石舞台 四棟

“A stage of stone, you say?” a curious voice might have echoed centuries ago. Here at the Ishibutai Burial Mound, what looks like a colossal stone stage is actually one of Japan’s largest megalithic structures. Ishibutai Kofun, as it’s known in Japanese, is a tomb from the Asuka Period. It measures an impressive 177 feet in length. The name “Ishibutai,” meaning “stone stage,” perfectly captures its appearance. Two enormous granite slabs form the ceiling of the tomb, weighing a combined 141 tons. Imagine the effort involved in transporting these colossal stones from Mount Tōnomine, using only wooden rollers, ropes, and pulleys. Ishibutai Burial Mound is believed to be the final resting place of Soga no Umako, a powerful figure in 6th-century Japan. Soga no Umako was the head of the influential Soga clan and a key supporter of Buddhism’s spread in Japan. He worked closely with Prince Shotoku, further solidifying his impact on Japanese history. In 1954, Ishibutai Kofun earned recognition as one of Japan’s 75 Special Historic Sites. The tomb’s interior, a sepulcher measuring 7.8 meters long, 3.4 meters wide, and 4.8 meters high, is open to the public year-round. The grassy area surrounding the Ishibutai Burial Mound transforms with the seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms paint the landscape in vibrant hues. Summer brings bright orange and red safflowers. Autumn sees the emergence of spider lilies, often associated with graveyards in Japan. Even winter holds a certain beauty, as snow blankets the stones, creating a serene atmosphere. As you stand before this impressive monument, consider the weight of history it carries, the echoes of ancient rituals, and the natural beauty that surrounds it. The Ishibutai Burial Mound stands as a testament to the ingenuity and power of ancient Japan.