Kyushu’s Decorated Kofun Tombs & Chikuzen’s Little Kyoto 4 Days

Discover the Distinctive Decorated Kofun Tombs of Northern Kyushu

Decorated kofun are ancient burial mounds featuring stone chambers and sarcophagi adorned with carved and painted motifs and imagery. Whilst ancient Egypt is renowned for its vibrantly coloured tombs, Japan too boasts numerous decorated burial mounds, with approximately 600 discovered nationwide. Northern Kyushu, particularly along the Chikugo and Kikuchi river basins, contains a remarkable concentration of these polychromatic tombs. Combining motifs of weaponry, horses, birds, and boats rendered in vivid reds and greens, these scenes are accentuated by geometric patterns of concentric circles and triangles. The weaponry symbolises protection, whilst boats and horses represent the journey to the afterlife; the depicted trees are said to represent mountains of the underworld where the deceased would journey, revealing the death-related beliefs of the era. Standing before the same images that ancient peoples once gazed upon, one cannot help but wonder what thoughts occupied their minds as they created these paintings and patterns—such contemplation forms part of the journey’s fascination.

Ōzuka Kofun: The Sovereign of Decorated Tombs Rivalling Takamatsuzuka

Ōzuka Kofun is considered equal to Takamatsuzuka Kofun and is designated as a National Special Historic Site. The stone chamber walls and entire ceiling display magnificent artistry employing the maximum five colours—red, yellow, green, black, and white. Among all decorated kofun nationwide, it stands unparalleled in the complexity and splendour of its patterns. The ceiling depicts a star-filled firmament, showing clear connections to astronomical charts commonly found in Goguryeo tomb culture.

Takehara Kofun: Continental Influences Revealed

Takehara Kofun depicts figures attempting to load horses onto boats amidst rolling waves, alongside dragons and ceremonial parasols used during noble processions. The chamber entrance features paintings of the Black Tortoise and Vermillion Bird, clearly demonstrating Chinese philosophical influence. Decorated kofun invariably show continental cultural influences, suggesting that northern Kyushu maintained early contact with Korean Peninsula powers.

Kumamoto Prefectural Ancient Burial Mound Museum: Japan’s Only Decorated Kofun-Themed Institution

Nearly 30% of Japan’s decorated kofun are concentrated in Kumamoto Prefecture, particularly along the northern Kikuchi River basin. Located in this heartland of decorated tomb culture, the Kumamoto Prefectural Ancient Burial Mound Museum was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando specifically to showcase decorated kofun. The building, reminiscent of a keyhole-shaped tumulus, functions not merely as an exhibition space but as an environmental museum that presents the tomb clusters and surrounding landscape as an integrated whole. The highlight is the Decorated Kofun Chamber, featuring precise full-scale replicas of the prefecture’s major decorated tombs displayed alongside excavated grave goods. Whilst access to originals is often restricted for preservation, here visitors can observe and compare these treasures at leisure.

Savour Akizuki, the Little Kyoto of Chikuzen, and the Canal Town of Yanagawa

Surrounded on three sides by mountains including Mount Kojo, Akizuki’s geographical position led the medieval Akizuki clan to establish a mountain fortress, followed by 16 generations of Akizuki rule and subsequently 12 generations under the Kuroda clan during the early modern period. The entire town is designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Enjoy exploring this small mountain castle town steeped in historical atmosphere.

Yanagawa flourished as the castle town of Yanagawa Domain, featuring traditional white-walled buildings, the feudal lord’s villa, and sites connected to Yanagawa-born poet Kitahara Hakushū. Experience leisurely boat rides through the canal network whilst savouring the local speciality, unagi no seiro-mushi (steamed eel).