The Inariyama sword, discovered in 1968, bears a 115-character inscription that identifies the ruler Wakatakeru, likely synonymous with Emperor Yuryaku.
The site features the Maruhakayama Kofun, which is the largest circular burial mound in Japan, standing 18.9 meters high.
The park contains nine distinct burial mounds, each representing significant socio-political power structures of ancient Japan.
Excavations at the site have yielded an extensive collection of haniwa, or terracotta clay figures, which were placed on the mounds during burial rites.
The museum serves as a research facility dedicated to the preservation and study of the Kofun-period archaeological remains found in the Saitama prefecture.
The Saitama Prefectural Museum of the Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds is situated within Sakitama Kofun Park, home to nine designated nationally significant keyhole-shaped burial mounds dating from the 5th to 7th centuries. The museum specifically showcases artifacts excavated from these tumuli, including the famous iron sword inlaid with gold characters known as the Inariyama sword. This artifact provides critical evidence regarding the Yamato court's influence in the Kanto region during the Kofun period. Visitors can explore both the indoor museum galleries and the expansive outdoor park containing the preserved mounds. The site offers a comprehensive look at the powerful local clans who occupied this region over 1,400 years ago. The museum facilities are integrated directly into the landscape of the archaeological park.
The summit of the Maruhakayama Kofun offers the best vantage point for panoramic photos of the park and surrounding tumuli.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the outdoor park requires significant walking across unpaved paths to view the various mounds.
Bring sun protection or an umbrella, as the burial mound park has limited shade in open areas.
Check the museum's exhibition schedule in advance, as certain artifacts are periodically rotated to ensure preservation.
Avoid assuming the museum is only an indoor experience; the site is primarily defined by the outdoor park landscape.
Closed on Mondays and during year-end/new-year holidays.
Do not climb on the burial mounds, as they are considered sacred archaeological sites and preserved heritage.
