Kitora Tumulus Mural Museum
Discover ancient East Asian history at the free Kitora Tumulus Mural Museum, showcasing a celestial map and cultural exchange.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid school groups
Kitora Tumulus Mural Museum
Best Time
Avoid school groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient East Asian history at the free Kitora Tumulus Mural Museum, showcasing a celestial map and cultural exchange.
"Free and super fun, learn how Japan is connected with another culture!"
🎯 Bring Your Stamp Book!
Don't forget your stamp book to collect a special souvenir from your visit. :stamps:
🗣️ Friendly Guides Available
Guides are very friendly and helpful, doing their best to explain exhibits in English. :brave:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 643 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Celestial Map Replica
Main Exhibition Hall
Marvel at the detailed replica of an ancient celestial map, offering insights into astronomical knowledge and ancient Korean influence.
Tomb Discovery Exhibit
Exhibition Area
Explore the process of the tomb's discovery, excavation, and preservation, understanding the meticulous efforts involved.
Cultural Exchange Display
Cultural Influence Section
Understand how Japan's ancient culture was influenced by Korea, particularly the Goguryeo kingdom.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
Understanding the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Blown away by Asuka, a day trip from Kyoto or Nara
We just spent a day exploring Asuka (day trip from Nara), and honestly, I’m still processing how incredible it was. It’s definitely not on the standard tourist radar—I didn’t see a single Western visitor all day. Most people I saw were Japanese tourists, plus a handful of Asian…
🎯 Bring Your Stamp Book!
Don't forget your stamp book to collect a special souvenir from your visit. :stamps:
🗣️ Friendly Guides Available
Guides are very friendly and helpful, doing their best to explain exhibits in English. :brave:
Is Asuka worth a visit?
We’ll be stopping in Nara on our way from Tokyo to Osaka. I’ve seen some videos of Asuka and it looks interesting to drop by. Anyone have any recommendations for things to do/see there or should we just skip it?
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Tumulus
The nearby preserved tumulus is also worth a visit for a pleasing aesthetic experience. 🏞️
🤫 Be Mindful of Noise
Be aware that school groups can be noisy; try to visit during quieter times. :speakerwiththreesoundwaves:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Your Stamp Book!
Don't forget your stamp book to collect a special souvenir from your visit. :stamps:
🗣️ Friendly Guides Available
Guides are very friendly and helpful, doing their best to explain exhibits in English. :brave:
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Tumulus
The nearby preserved tumulus is also worth a visit for a pleasing aesthetic experience. 🏞️
🤫 Be Mindful of Noise
Be aware that school groups can be noisy; try to visit during quieter times. :speakerwiththreesoundwaves:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Kitora Tumulus Mural Museum to be a free and fascinating cultural experience, highlighting its detailed exhibits on ancient Japanese-Korean connections and the tomb's discovery. The friendly staff are a plus, though noisy school groups can sometimes detract from the visit.
"Very interesting and free museum on one of the ancient burial mounds found in the region of Asakusa. Especially the history and process of restoring the ancient drawings from ~700AD is extremely informative and unique.
The museum offers english (and other language) guidance through their website offered through QR codes, making it very accessible.
They also gave fun merch in their little souvenir shop."
thagoldensun
"It's free and super fun. You get to learn the way Japan is connected with another culture! There's a stamp so don't forget to bring your stamp book!"
Odelia
"Really detailed exhibit that showcases the process and the timeline of how the tomb was discovered, dug out to preserve, and put back to rest again after all the information has been retrieved. The guides that are working there are really friendly as well, and tried their best to teach it in English, even though they are not familiar with it."
Jet Sng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Information on public transport options and driving directions to the museum would be helpful here. As it's a museum, it's likely accessible by local bus routes or a short drive from a major town.
Details about on-site parking facilities, including any fees or capacity limitations, are important for visitors arriving by car.
Identifying the closest public transport hubs will assist travelers in planning their journey to the museum.
Information regarding ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms is crucial for ensuring a comfortable visit for all.
Suggesting potential itineraries that include the museum and other local points of interest can enhance trip planning.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is free to enter, making it a budget-friendly cultural experience.
Specific opening and closing times, as well as any seasonal variations or holiday closures, should be clearly stated.
Given that admission is free, advance booking is likely not required, but it's always good to confirm, especially for group visits.
While guides are present and helpful, information on whether formal guided tours are offered, and if they require booking or an extra fee, would be beneficial.
Clarification on the museum's photography policy, especially regarding flash photography, is important for visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The celestial map replica and the exhibit detailing the tomb's discovery and preservation are highly recommended highlights.
A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest level and how much time you spend with each exhibit.
Basic visitor amenities such as restrooms are usually available. Information on a gift shop would be useful for souvenirs.
Engage with the friendly guides and read the exhibit descriptions carefully to grasp the significance of the tomb and its murals.
The museum offers an educational experience that can be engaging for children, though it's important to manage expectations regarding their attention spans.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on whether the museum has a cafe or restaurant, or recommendations for nearby eateries, would be helpful for visitors.
Clarification on the museum's policy regarding outside food and beverages is important for planning your visit.
Suggesting local specialties or types of restaurants visitors can expect to find nearby would enhance the visitor experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary; it's essential to check if photos are permitted and if flash is allowed, as it can damage artifacts.
Identifying visually appealing areas or exhibits that make for great photographs can help visitors capture memorable moments.
For visitors interested in aerial shots, information on drone usage regulations around the museum and tumulus is necessary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit