Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum
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Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum

4.1
·672 reviews·Gyoda, Japan

Explore ancient Japan's power and artistry at the Sakitama Kofun Cluster and its museum, home to national treasures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.

CrowdLow
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Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum

Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient Japan's power and artistry at the Sakitama Kofun Cluster and its museum, home to national treasures.

4.1
(672 reviews)

"Amazing place, very reminiscent of Cahokia Mounds. A bit of a trek, would recommend either timing the bus or using a taxi service."

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TIP

Plan Your Transport 🚌

Buses can be infrequent; consider taxi for convenience.

Multilingual Exhibits 🗣️

Most exhibits have descriptions in English, Korean, and Chinese.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

National Treasure Sword

National Treasure Sword

Permanent Exhibition

Marvel at the gold-inlaid iron sword, a stunning national treasure from ancient Japan.

Magatama Beads

Magatama Beads

Permanent Exhibition

See intricately crafted magatama beads, ancient comma-shaped jewels with deep historical significance.

Haniwa Clay Figures

Haniwa Clay Figures

Permanent Exhibition

Discover a variety of haniwa, ancient clay figures that offer insights into burial rituals.

Sakitama Kofun Cluster

Sakitama Kofun Cluster

Museum Grounds

Explore the ancient burial mounds themselves and even walk on the side of one for a unique perspective.

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Planning Your Visit

Getting There: Plan Your Journey

Reaching the Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum can be a bit of a trek. Consider timing the local bus routes carefully or opt for a taxi for a more direct approach. Planning your transport in advance is key to a smooth visit. Reddit

Unearthing History: What to Expect

This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Japan with national treasures like swords and magatama beads. While the museum is small, it houses high-quality artifacts. Some visitors note a desire for more detailed information on mound construction. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Crowd
Low
When
Spring (around March)
Why
Potential unveiling of replica sword.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I thought it was just a rice field… until I saw Tanjiro in it 😭🌾 Every summer, Gyoda in Saitama turns rice fields into giant art — and this year it’s a Demon Slayer collab 🎴🔥 🗓️ Best viewing: mid-July to mid-August 📍 Gyoda Tower, Saitama 🎫 Entry: 400 yen 🚗 Parking: 500 yen 🚌 Bus runs hourly from Gyoda Station 🕒 About 1.5 hrs from Ueno Planted by hand by locals. Insane effort. Only in Japan 🇯🇵 🎬 “D...
@abroadonadime
1.2M likes • 15M views

Plan Your Transport 🚌

Buses can be infrequent; consider taxi for convenience. Reddit

Multilingual Exhibits 🗣️

Most exhibits have descriptions in English, Korean, and Chinese. Reddit

Lokasi: Kodai Hasu no Sato, Gyoda, Saitama 🚃 Dari Tokyo: Naik JR Takasaki Line → turun di Gyoda Station → lanjut bus/taksi sekitar 10–15 menit. 📅 Waktu terbaik datang: pertengahan Juli sampai awal Oktober 🎫 Harga masuk: ¥400 📌 Datang sebelum jam 12 siang supaya ga kehabisan slot! #fyp #demonslayer #japan
@dieranathania
1.2M likes • 7.1M views
I thought it was just a rice field… until I saw Tanjiro in it 😭🌾 Every summer, Gyoda in Saitama turns rice fields into giant art — and this year it’s a Demon Slayer collab 🎴🔥 🗓️ Best viewing: mid-July to mid-August 📍 Gyoda Tower, Saitama 🎫 Entry: 400 yen 🚗 Parking: 500 yen 🚌 Bus runs hourly from Gyoda Station 🕒 About 1.5 hrs from Ueno Planted by hand by locals. Insane effort. Only in Japan 🇯🇵 🎬 “D...
@abroadonadime
732.8K likes • 3.3M views

Stone Jewel Workshop 💎

Make your own stone jewel necklace for a small fee. Reddit

Explore the Mounds 🌳

Don't miss walking on the ancient burial mounds surrounding the museum. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Plan Your Transport 🚌

Buses can be infrequent; consider taxi for convenience. Reddit

Multilingual Exhibits 🗣️

Most exhibits have descriptions in English, Korean, and Chinese. Reddit

Stone Jewel Workshop 💎

Make your own stone jewel necklace for a small fee. Reddit

Explore the Mounds 🌳

Don't miss walking on the ancient burial mounds surrounding the museum. Reddit

Check Special Exhibitions 📅

Saitama Prefecture ruins are often featured, offering unique insights. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(672 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum to be an educational and worthwhile destination, particularly for its collection of national treasures like the gold-inlaid sword and magatama beads. The opportunity to explore the ancient burial mounds adds a unique dimension to the visit. Some travelers noted that more detailed information on the construction of the mounds would be beneficial, and the journey can be a bit of a trek.

"This is a very educational little museum. Most of the exhibits had Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese descriptions. Really amazing the age of the artifacts on exhibit. There's a workshop room where you can make a stone jewel necklace for a few hundred yen."

Paul Richardson

"Good place to learn about archeology. You can clearly see what is in the Kofuns, and even walk in the side of one. The museum is small but has some high quality artifacts"

Andrew Thompson

"Amazing place, very reminicent of Cahokia Mounds. A bit of a trek, would recommend either timing the bus or using a taxi service.

The museum gets 4 stars because they did not have the level of information I was expecting about the details of how the sites were constructed. Not sure if the issue is that academics do not know, or the person I asked at the museum did not know. (Questions like, how did they bring stones all the way from Tokyo bay, how they seemed to chip/smooth the stones, what the insides of the mounds are filled with)

If you have any interest in archeological sites, it is worth visiting."

Joe Soraghan

What People Like

National treasure artifacts
Exploring burial mounds
Educational exhibits

What People Dislike

Limited construction details
Remote location

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is a bit remote. Public transport involves timing local bus routes carefully. Some visitors recommend using a taxi for a more direct and convenient journey, especially if bus schedules are not favorable. Reddit

Yes, it is accessible by public transport, primarily via bus. However, it's advisable to check the latest bus schedules as they can be infrequent. Reddit

If you're not driving, planning your bus connections is essential. Alternatively, a taxi service can provide a more straightforward route, though it will be more expensive. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, historical sites often have parking. It's best to check the official museum website for the most up-to-date information on parking availability and any associated fees.

Travel time will vary significantly depending on your starting point and mode of transport. It's recommended to use a journey planner for real-time estimates, but expect it to be a significant travel commitment from Tokyo. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, and it's always best to check the official museum website for the most current information before your visit. This ensures you don't arrive to find it closed. Reddit

Admission fees are generally quite reasonable, especially considering the historical significance of the artifacts. The museum also offers a workshop for making stone jewel necklaces for a few hundred yen. Reddit

For general admission, advance booking is typically not required. However, if you plan to participate in any special workshops or events, it's wise to inquire about reservation policies. Reddit

Information on specific discounts is not widely available in reviews. It's recommended to check the museum's official website or inquire upon arrival about potential discounts for students, seniors, or groups.

The burial mounds are part of the museum grounds and the surrounding park. While you can explore the park area, access to the museum exhibits requires an admission ticket. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The museum boasts national treasures like a gold-inlaid iron sword, mirrors, magatama beads, and haniwa clay figures. You can also explore the actual Sakitama Kofun Cluster burial mounds. Reddit+1

Yes, the museum can be educational for children, especially with the visual exhibits of artifacts and the opportunity to explore the burial mounds. The stone jewel necklace workshop is also a fun activity. Reddit

Given its size, a visit to the museum itself might take 1-2 hours. However, if you plan to thoroughly explore the surrounding burial mounds and park, you could easily spend half a day. Reddit

Information on guided tours is not readily available in reviews. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or inquire at the information desk upon arrival for any available tour options. Reddit

Some visitors have noted that detailed information on the construction methods of the mounds, such as stone transportation and filling materials, might be limited. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary in museums. It's generally recommended to look for signage indicating where photos are permitted or prohibited. Flash photography is often restricted to protect artifacts. Reddit

The exterior of the burial mounds and the surrounding park offer scenic photo opportunities. Inside, focus on capturing the impressive artifacts like the sword and magatama beads, respecting any no-photography zones. Reddit

While general photography might be allowed, there could be restrictions on photographing specific national treasures to ensure their preservation. Always adhere to museum guidelines. Reddit

Yes, walking on the side of one of the kofuns provides a unique perspective and a great photo opportunity, allowing you to visualize the scale of these ancient structures. Reddit

A versatile camera with good low-light capabilities would be beneficial for indoor exhibits. For the outdoor mounds, a wider lens can capture the landscape effectively. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum offers an engaging experience for families. Children can explore the impressive burial mounds, which provide a unique outdoor adventure and a sense of scale. Reddit The museum's exhibits, featuring artifacts like swords and clay figures, can spark curiosity about history. A highlight for younger visitors is the stone jewel necklace workshop, a hands-on activity that allows them to create their own souvenir for a small fee. Reddit

While the museum is educational, consider supplementing the visit with stories or visual aids about the Kofun period to make the exhibits more relatable for children. The multilingual descriptions on exhibits are also helpful for diverse families. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Archeology Enthusiasts

For those with a deep interest in Japanese history and archaeology, the Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum is a must-visit. The presence of national treasures, including the gold-inlaid iron sword and ancient mirrors, provides direct access to significant historical artifacts. Reddit The opportunity to explore the Sakitama Kofun Cluster firsthand allows for a more immersive understanding of burial practices and societal structures of the Kofun period. Reddit

While the museum is praised for its high-quality artifacts, some enthusiasts might find the details on mound construction less comprehensive than desired. Reddit However, the site's authenticity and the rarity of the displayed treasures make it a valuable destination for serious historical study and appreciation. Visiting during special exhibitions, which often focus on regional ruins, can offer even more specialized insights. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sakitama Kofun Cluster: A Glimpse into Ancient Power

The Sakitama Kofun Cluster is a collection of ancient burial mounds, or 'kofun,' dating back to the Kofun period (roughly 300-538 AD). These monumental structures were built for the ruling elite and are a testament to the power and social hierarchy of the time. Visitors can explore several of these mounds, including the largest, Maruhaya-yama Kofun, and even walk on the side of one, offering a tangible connection to Japan's ancient past. Reddit

While the museum provides context, some visitors express a desire for more in-depth information regarding the construction techniques. Questions about how massive stones were transported from distant locations like Tokyo Bay, the methods used for shaping and smoothing these stones, and the composition of the mound interiors remain areas of curiosity for some. Reddit

Despite these queries, the sheer age and scale of the kofuns are awe-inspiring. The surrounding park is also described as beautiful and offers a peaceful environment for reflection on the historical significance of the site. Reddit

National Treasures: Unveiling Sakitama's Riches

The Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds Museum is home to several national treasures, offering a rare opportunity to see artifacts of immense historical and cultural value. Among the most prominent is the gold-inlaid iron sword, a symbol of authority and craftsmanship from the Kofun period. Its intricate design and precious materials highlight the advanced metalworking skills of the era. Reddit

Beyond the sword, the museum also displays other significant national treasures, including various mirrors and magatama beads. These comma-shaped jewels were not only decorative but also held symbolic and ritualistic importance, often associated with status and spiritual power. The collection of haniwa (clay figures) further enriches the visitor's understanding of burial customs and the beliefs of ancient Japanese society. Reddit

It's worth noting that a replica of the gold-inlaid iron sword is often on display, with the original scheduled for unveiling at specific times, such as around spring. Checking the museum's announcements for such special displays can enhance your visit. Reddit

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