| Location | Nara Pref. |
|---|---|
| Shape | Round mound |
| Mound length | 14 m |
| Period | Late 7th c. |
| World Heritage | Asuka-Fujiwara (UNESCO, inscribed 2026) |
Late-period kofun in Asuka Village, world-famous for its vivid murals. Though small (lower tier 13.8m), the four-wall stone chamber murals — Four Guardians and one of East Asia's oldest star charts — are of the highest academic significance. Together with Takamatsuzuka Kofun (id:264), it forms the Asuka "twin mural kofun." The restored murals can be viewed at the adjacent Shijin-no-Kan museum (paid admission).Like Takamatsuzuka, the murals were removed from the chamber for conservation (2008–2010) due to deterioration. Restored murals are displayed on a rotating basis at the Shijin-no-Kan in Asuka Village. About 20 min walk from Takamatsuzuka Kofun — the two are commonly combined into an "Asuka Mural Kofun Walk." Note: at 13.8m, Kitora falls below this map's normal 20m threshold but is included as a special case alongside Takamatsuzuka. Inscribed in July 2026 as a component of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara."
Horizontal stone chamber (2.7m × 1.1m × 1.3m). The polychrome murals (Four Guardians, star chart, human figures) are National Treasures, now undergoing restoration and conservation. Gilt-bronze ornamental fittings and other grave goods have been recovered.