★ World Heritage Nara Pref. Square mound

Ishibutai Kofun

Location	Nara Pref.
Shape	Square mound
Mound length	51 m
Period	Early 7th c.
World Heritage	Asuka-Fujiwara (UNESCO, inscribed 2026)

Overview

Special Historic Site in Asuka Village, famous for its dramatically exposed stone chamber. Originally a 51m square mound, the burial mound was stripped away, leaving a massive stone chamber (19m long; ceiling stones up to 77 tons) standing on the surface. Most likely the tomb of Soga no Umako. The most popular visitor site in the Asuka area, where you can enter the chamber and view the giant ceiling stones up close — a uniquely powerful experience. Inscribed in July 2026 as a component of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara."

Finds & research

Exposed horizontal stone chamber (19.1m total; main chamber 7.6m × 3.5m × 4.7m). Ceiling formed by two massive stones (up to ~77 tons). No grave goods found in the chamber (looted). Surrounding surveys recovered fragments of Sue ware and haji ware.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view

Originally a square mound (~51m per side, ~4.7m high), now famous for the exposed stone chamber after the mound material was stripped away in later centuries. The horizontal stone chamber — total length 19.1m, main chamber 7.6m long, 3.5m wide, 4.7m high — is one of Japan's largest. The ceiling consists of two massive stones weighing up to ~77 tons each. Dated to the early 7th century. Most likely the tomb of Soga no Umako (d. 626), Japan's most powerful minister of the era. Legend holds that the mound was stripped by the populace as retribution for his tyranny. No grave goods recovered.

Imperial Household Agency view

Not designated by the IHA. Managed as a National Special Historic Site by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and Asuka Village. Paid admission; the stone chamber interior is open to the public.

Field notes

Soga no Umako was the dominant minister of the Suiko era — co-author (with Prince Shotoku) of the 17-article constitution and founder of Asukadera, Japan's first full-scale Buddhist temple. He also assassinated Emperor Sushun. The name "Ishibutai" (Stone Stage) comes from a legend of a fox transforming into a woman and dancing on the stone by moonlight. The site is the tourist hub of Asuka Village with cafes and restaurants nearby. About 10 min by bicycle from Kintetsu Asuka Station.

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Sources

明日香村教育委員会奈良文化財研究所文化庁（国特別史跡）飛鳥・藤原世界遺産登録推進協議会 UNESCO世界遺産センター Wikipedia

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