Takenouchi High Road

Approx. Time: 2 hours
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

The envoys of China's Zui Dynasty brought culture to the land of Yamato (Japan) via this road. This highway runs from Namba through Sakai and over the Takenouchi Pass in the southern foothills of Mt. Nijo to Yamato Asuka (Totsu Asuka). According to the ancient historical document Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), this is Japan's oldest official government road, built during the reign of Empress Suiko (592-628). Sights to see along the Takenouchi High Road include Kawachi Asuka (Chikatsu Asuka), the Furuichi tumuli (ancient burial mounds), and the Mozu tumuli. Chikatsu Asuka - the zone of tumuli, or ancient burial mounds, in northern Kanan-cho include the Ichisuka group of tumuli, wherein are scattered some 250 separate tombs from the latter part of the Tumulus period (4-6 century). To help familiarize visitors with the history of Chikatsuasuka, the prefectural government has established the Chikatsuasuka Fudoki-no-Oka Historical Park, with the Ichisuka tumulus group as its central focus. You will also want to visit the Prefectural Chikatsuasuka Museum, which contains exhibits on the culture of the Tumulus period (ca. 300-552) and the Asuka period (593-710). Mozu tumuli, which houses Emperor Nintoku's Mausoleum, is a colossal keyhole-shaped tumulus measuring some 486 meters in length. Together with the Pyramid of King Cheops and the tomb of the first Ch'in emperor in China, it is one of the three largest tumuli in the world. It is also known as the Mozu Mimiharanaka Burial Mound. The surrounding area, which was once known as Mozuno, also contains 46 fifth-century tombs measuring 41 meters or less.

Courtesy of Japan Tourism Board.

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