The site contains 319 individual burial mounds, representing the largest concentration of kofun in the Kyushu region.
The burial mounds are constructed in a variety of styles, including the iconic 'zenpo-koen-fun' or keyhole-shaped tomb.
Archaeological excavations have uncovered haniwa clay figures, including rare designs representing houses and animals.
The plateau provides a natural panoramic vantage point that was strategically significant for ancient regional rulers.
The park features a specialized museum that displays artifacts recovered from the burial chambers on-site.
Saitobaru Burial Mounds is one of Japan's largest historical burial sites, featuring over 300 tumuli spread across a high plateau. The site consists of keyhole-shaped, round, and square kofun tombs dating from the 1st to the 7th century AD. It is designated as a Special Historic Site by the Japanese government. The area is integrated into the Saitobaru Burial Mounds Archaeological Park, which preserves both the ancient structures and extensive floral landscapes. Seasonal plantings include millions of cosmos flowers in autumn and rape blossoms in spring, which surround the earthen mounds. The park provides an expansive view of the Miyazaki plain and surrounding mountains. Walking paths wind directly between and over the ancient burial mounds, allowing close-up inspection of the topography.
The elevated path near the center of the plateau offering a 360-degree view of the mounds amidst the seasonal flower fields.
Rent a bicycle from the visitor center to cover the large plateau area efficiently.
Visit the Saitobaru Archaeological Museum to view the actual haniwa clay figures found in the tombs.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain consists of unpaved trails and grassy slopes.
Attempting to walk the entire perimeter on foot during mid-summer, as there is limited shade across the open plateau.
The archaeological museum is closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday).
Stay on marked paths to prevent erosion of the burial mounds; do not climb on the mounds unless a trail is explicitly marked.
