Saitobaru Burial Mounds
Ancient burial mounds surrounded by vibrant fields of flowers, offering a glimpse into Japan's prehistoric past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak cherry blossom season
Saitobaru Burial Mounds
Best Time
Peak cherry blossom season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient burial mounds surrounded by vibrant fields of flowers, offering a glimpse into Japan's prehistoric past.
"A peaceful and historically significant site, especially beautiful during the spring bloom."
🚗 Drive for Easiest Access
Public transport is possible but time-consuming. Driving offers the most flexibility to explore the vast site.
🌸 Hanami Picnic Perfection
Bring a tarp and enjoy a picnic during cherry blossom season; food stands are available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Keyhole-Shaped Burial Mounds
Throughout the site
Explore over 300 ancient burial mounds, many with distinctive keyhole shapes, dating back centuries.
Springtime Floral Spectacle
Surrounding fields
Witness a breathtaking display of over 2,000 cherry trees and 300,000 canola flowers in late March/early April.
Saitobaru Museum
Onsite
Discover artifacts unearthed from the mounds, including a 7ft sword and a shield-shaped bronze mirror.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Peak Bloom
Accessibility and Getting Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive for Easiest Access
Public transport is possible but time-consuming. Driving offers the most flexibility to explore the vast site.
🌸 Hanami Picnic Perfection
Bring a tarp and enjoy a picnic during cherry blossom season; food stands are available.
🏛️ Museum Must-See
Don't miss the free museum (closed Mondays) for a deep dive into the history and artifacts.
🚶♀️ Explore Mounds 206 & 13
These specific mounds offer unique insights and the chance to see inside.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive for Easiest Access
Public transport is possible but time-consuming. Driving offers the most flexibility to explore the vast site.
🌸 Hanami Picnic Perfection
Bring a tarp and enjoy a picnic during cherry blossom season; food stands are available.
🏛️ Museum Must-See
Don't miss the free museum (closed Mondays) for a deep dive into the history and artifacts.
🚶♀️ Explore Mounds 206 & 13
These specific mounds offer unique insights and the chance to see inside.
📸 Capture the Blooms
The vibrant cherry blossoms and canola flowers make for stunning photo opportunities. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Saitobaru Burial Mounds to be a peaceful and historically significant site, especially beautiful during the spring bloom. While accessibility can be a challenge for those without a car, the free museum and unique ancient mounds make it a worthwhile destination for history and nature lovers alike.
"Worth a trip. An hour's 1,100yen bus from Miyasaki plus a 30 minute walk to the first of the mounds. Free museum (closed Monday) has a comprehensive display of the items recovered from the mounds. Great viewing deck on the top floor with good restaurant (700 yen lunch sets). Allow a few hours for the museum and to wander the mounds. Ensure that you visit mounds 206 and especially 13 to see inside."
Justin Dabner
"Dec 16 2025, temperature 13C, not too cold to walk around, a very peaceful and quiet place, no tourists, not easily assessible from major cities, need to drive."
Will Tan
"Interesting burial mound in beautiful setting. Only requires a short visit."
Chris Ivin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is by car, as public transport can be time-consuming. From Miyazaki Station, you can take a bus to Saitobaru, which takes about an hour, followed by a 30-minute walk to the mounds. +1
Yes, it is accessible via bus from Miyazaki, but it's not considered easily accessible from major cities. Plan for a longer journey if relying on public transport.
The site is vast, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. You can wander among the mounds, and there are viewing decks for panoramic views.
Yes, parking is available, though it can get crowded during peak seasons like cherry blossom viewing.
It's approximately an hour's bus ride from Miyazaki City, plus additional travel time to reach the mounds themselves.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The burial mounds themselves are free to explore. The Saitobaru Museum, however, is also free to enter and is closed on Mondays.
The museum is open daily, but it is closed on Mondays. It's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
The outdoor burial mounds can generally be visited during daylight hours. The museum has specific operating hours.
No advance booking is typically required for general access to the burial mounds or the museum, as entry is free.
Yes, the site hosts an annual fire festival, and it's a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing (Hanami) in spring.
📸 📸 Photography
The surrounding fields during cherry blossom and canola flower season offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Photography rules inside museums can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for the mounds and the surrounding landscape. During bloom season, midday can be vibrant but crowded.
Drone usage is often restricted at historical sites and parks. It's advisable to check local regulations and site-specific rules before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive fields and mounds, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on the top floor of the museum offering lunch sets for around 700 yen. Food stands are also common during festival and bloom seasons.
The museum restaurant offers lunch sets. During spring events, you might find typical festival foods. One traveler mentioned trying Hiyajiru, a local specialty.
Absolutely! Bringing a tarp and enjoying a picnic is a popular activity, especially during Hanami season.
Dining options might be limited, especially at food stands. It's advisable to inquire directly at the restaurant or museum about specific dietary needs.
The onsite restaurant at the museum is a convenient option. For more variety, you might need to travel back towards Miyazaki City.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the spring bloom for an extra visual treat, though be prepared for more crowds. Packing snacks and drinks is a good idea, as dining options might be limited. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the terrain. The peaceful atmosphere, especially on weekdays, can make for a relaxed family outing.
🌸 Flower Enthusiasts & Photographers
+1 The contrast between the delicate pink petals and the vibrant yellow blooms against the backdrop of ancient mounds is a photographer's dream. Plan to arrive early to capture the best light and avoid the peak crowds. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for capturing the expansive floral landscapes, while telephoto lenses can focus on specific details. Remember to bring a picnic blanket to fully immerse yourself in the 'Hanami' experience.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
The Saitobaru Museum is essential for understanding the context and significance of the site, housing artifacts that tell stories of ancient rulers and their lives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Saitobaru
+1Among the most remarkable discoveries are a 7-foot iron sword and a shield-shaped bronze mirror, believed to be used for ritualistic purposes or to ward off evil spirits.
The site's historical importance is further highlighted by its designation as a National Historic Site. The Saitobaru Museum plays a crucial role in preserving and interpreting these findings, displaying many of the recovered treasures and providing context for their significance.
Saitobaru's Floral Beauty: A Seasonal Spectacle
+1Complementing the delicate pink of the cherry blossoms, an astonishing 300,000 canola flowers (rape blossoms) carpet the fields in vibrant yellow. The juxtaposition of pink and yellow creates a visually stunning landscape, making Saitobaru a premier destination for flower enthusiasts.
This seasonal transformation is a major draw, turning the ancient burial site into a celebration of nature's renewal. Beyond spring, the vast open spaces offer a sense of tranquility throughout the year. Even outside of peak bloom, the rolling mounds set against the natural landscape provide a peaceful and picturesque environment for exploration and reflection.
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