Kofun are megalithic tombs or tumuli in Japan, constructed between early 3rd century and early 7th century. They gave their name to the Kofun era (middle 3rd century - late 6th century).

Saito, located in the central part of Miyazaki, was the center of the Hyuga-no-kuni province, now Miyazaki Prefecture, through to the Middle Ages. In the western part of the city is Saitobaru Kofun-gun, or the burial mounds area, where more than 300 kofun are scattered about, forming one of the largest group of kofun in Japan. There are also other historical sites such as Hyuga Kokubun-ji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Miyazaki, and Tsuma-jinja Shrine.

I have visited “Saitobaru Kofun-gun” on November.  Saitobaru Kofun-gun is very large and peaceful. If you like Japanese history, that’s a great thing.

                                                                            Oni-no-iwaya Burial Mound  November 23 2007

                                                                       Kofun (tomb mound)  November 23 2007

                                                                Archaeological finds (earthenware pot) at Saitobaru Archaeological Museum  November 23 2007

                                                                Archaeological finds (earthenware pot) at Saitobaru Archaeological Museum   November 23 2007

                                                               Archaeological finds at Saitobaru Archaeological Museum   November 23 2007

                                                                      Kofun-gun, or the burial mounds area   November 23 2007

                                                                          Kofun (tomb mound)    November 23 2007

                                                                         Imperial Mausoleum Reference Places   November 23 2007

                                                                      Imperial Mausoleum Reference Places  November 23 2007

 Directions:
From Tokyo Haneda Airport, 1 hour 45 minutes to Miyazaki Airport. From Osaka Itami Airport or Kansai International Airport, 1 hour 5 minutes. From Miyazaki Airport, 10 minutes to Miyazaki Station by the JR Miyazaki-kuko Line. From Miyazaki Station, 1 hour by bus to Saitobaru-eigyo-sho bus stop.