A Journey Through Japan s Faith and Culture
from Munakata and Okinoshima
A Museum Guide

A Journey Through Japan s Faith and Culture from Munakata and Okinoshima
A Museum Guide

Haruka Munakata
Editor and publisher
Preservation and Utilization Council of"Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites
in the Munakata Region"
Headquarters : World Heritage Division, Fukuoka Prefecture
7-7 Higashi-koen, Hakata, Fukuoka, Japan
https://www.okinoshima-heritage.jp
Cooperating organizations
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Sakai City, Osaka
Osaka Pref. Chikatsu-Asuka Museum
Saiku Historical Museum
Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka
National Museum of Japanese History

Issue : January 2022

Haruka Munakata

Tracing Japanʼs Faith and Culture from Munakata and Okinoshima
The Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region together bear witness to the

tradition of faith in Okinoshima, where state rituals were once held to pray for safe passage on voyages tothe Korean Peninsula in ancient times. These sites retain many aspects of the ancient worship of nature andtell the story of how Japanese culture and faith were nurtured through exchange.

■Osaka Pref. Chikatsu-Asuka
MuseumThis booklet has been compiled to provide an introduction to the heritage sites and historical museums

around the Munakata region, and also to six other museums in various regions of Japan that share many

Kanan Town, Osaka

points in common with the sites of the Munakata region in tracing the history of faith and culture in Japan.

P.20 〜

The booklet details the particular appeals of these six other museums and their relationship to Munakata.

Although these museums may all be far from Munakata and Fukuoka, they are all deﬁnitely worth a visit■National Museum ofJapanese History■Shimane Museum ofAncient Izumo

and each oﬀers its own unique and rewarding experience.

Sakura City, Chiba

Izumo City, Shimane

60km

P.12 〜■The Sacred Island of Okinoshima
and Associated Sites in the
Munakata Region

Genkai Sea

Tsushima Is.

■Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre,
Shizuoka

Munakata City and Fukutsu City, Fukuoka

P.28 〜

Oshima Koryu-kan

Oshima Is.
Iki Is.

Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka

P.4 〜

Okinoshima Is.

Kitakyushu

Uminomichi Munakatakan Museum
Shimpo-kan Museum, Munakata Taisha
Camellia Stage Historical Museum

Fukuoka2

P.32 〜

Kyushu National Museum(Dazaifu City)

Fukuoka Pref.

Kyushu Historical Museum(Ogori City)■Mozu Mounded Tombs
Visitor Center/Sakai City Museum
Sakai City, Osaka

P.16 〜■Saiku Historical Museum
Meiwa Town, Mie

P.24 〜* The opening hours, closing days and admission fees for each museum are subject to change. Admission to all museums
is free for those with a disability certiﬁcate and one caregiver. For further details see the websites of each museum.

3

Okitsu-miya, Munakata Taisha
Koyajima, Mikadobashira, Tenguiwa and Okinoshima

Tagorihime-no-kami

The Sacred Island of Okinoshima andAssociated Sites in the Munakata Region

Nakatsu-miya, Munakata Taisha

Okitsu-miya Yohaisho,
Munakata Taisha
The Sacred Island of Okinoshima andAssociated Sites in the Munakata Region

Tagitsuhime-no-kami（Munakata City and Fukutsu City, Fukuoka）
Oshima Koryu-kan
Shimbaru-Nuyama
Mounded Tomb GroupThe sacred island of Okinoshima lies approximately

Hetsu-miya, Munakata Taisha

60km oﬀ the coast of Munakata City in Fukuoka

Ichikishimahime-no-kami

Prefecture.

The Japanese people in ancient times felt a mysticalpower (kami ) in unique natural objects and phenomena,and held them in awe. From the latter half of the fourth

century, when overseas exchanges between Japan andUminomichi Munakatakan Museum
Shimpo-kan Museum, Munakata Taisha

the Asian continent became more vigorous, state rituals
were conducted to honor the kami who inhabited

Camellia Stage Historical Museum

Okinoshima, a beacon for those on voyages to the

Korean Peninsula. Okinoshima is a remarkable example▲ Main Hall and Worship Hall of Okitsu-miya

Overview of the heritage sitesof a “Sacred Island,” faith in which continues to thepresent day.

▼ Okinoshima (Okitsu-miya, Munakata Taisha)▲ Panorama of all heritage sites (Illustration by Yoko Kitano)

It was faith in the kami that inhabited Okinoshima that gave
rise to the worship of the Three Female Deities of Munakata,a set of beliefs that has been preserved and passed down tothe present day together with traditions associated with
Okinoshima, including a number of taboos.

The World Heritage Site is comprised of the following

sites. Firstly, the three shrines of Munakata Taisha located on
Okinoshima, Oshima and the Kyushu mainland, each one

dedicated to the Three Female Deities. Next, the Okitsu-miya
Yohaisho, a place for worshipping Okinoshima from afar,

given the diﬃculty in approaching the island. Finally, theShimbaru-Nuyama Mounded Tomb Group, built by the▲ Hetsu-miya, Munakata Taisha

ancient and powerful Munakata clan, who conducted rituals
on Okinoshima, and developed the practice of worshipping
the Three Female Deities.

These heritage sites have been preserved in a favorable

4

landscape bordering the Genkai Sea in Munakata andFukutsu cities.

5

（Munakata City and Fukutsu City, Fukuoka）

Know and Feel Okinoshima
Make a visit to these museums that explain and illustrate the value and attractions of Okinoshima,
which cannot be visited in person due to traditional taboos.
■ Uminomichi Munakatakan Museum

588 Fukata, Munakata City, Fukuoka TEL 0940-62-2600

Ancient rituals on Okinoshima and Japanese culture and faithThis World Heritage Guidance facility is situated across fromThe 500-year period from the latter half of the fourth century to the end of the ninth century during whichto the value and attractions of the heritage sites, centered

Closed Mondays (when Monday is a holiday,
closed the following working day) and New Yearʼs holiday

centuries advanced culture and technologies came to Japan predominantly from the Korean Peninsula andhighlights are CG-enhanced images projected on the 18m x

Admission : Free

Hetsu-miya of Munakata Taisha, and provides an introduction

rituals were conducted on Okinoshima was a time of great change for Japanese society. From the fourth to sixtharound the ancient ritual sites on Okinoshima. Particulartransformed the lives of the people. Then from the seventh to ninth centuries the diplomatic missions and7m supersize screen, replicas of ritual artifacts oﬀered on

students who were dispatched to China brought home knowledge, religious practices and goods, which would
become the basis for Japanese culture in the following centuries.

As the guardian deity of the sea routes along which all these things passed, a variety of precious items brought

The Sacred Island of Okinoshima andAssociated Sites in the Munakata Region

The Sacred Island of Okinoshima andAssociated Sites in the Munakata Region

Okinoshima recreated using cutting-edge technologies, andhttp://searoad.city.munakata.lg.jp
Hours: 9:00-18:00▼ World Heritage Explanatory Corner“Landscape Mapping Vision,” which visualizes the changes tothe landscape of the Munakata region over the years.

from overseas were given in oﬀerings to Okinoshima.

▼ Ritual artifacts of Okinoshima reﬂecting overseas exchanges▼ Supersize Screen▼ Landscape Mapping Vision

Korea
Japan
Persia6

China

Okinoshima

7The Sacred Island of Okinoshima andAssociated Sites in the Munakata Region

Learning the History Behind the Sacred Island▼ Shimbaru-Nuyama Mounded Tomb GroupThe Sacred Island of Okinoshima andAssociated Sites in the Munakata Region（Munakata City and Fukutsu City, Fukuoka）■ Shimpo-kan Museum, Munakata Taisha
Situated within the grounds of Hetsu-miya, Munakata

Taisha, this museum houses and displays approximately
80,000 ritual artifacts discovered on Okinoshima, all ofthem designated as national treasures. The museum also

displays many other sacred treasures that have been handed
down to Munakata Taisha, including premodern texts andguardian dog statues ( komainu ).

2331 Tashima, Munakata City, Fukuoka TEL 0940-62-1311
https://munakata-taisha.or.jp/shinpoukan.html
Hours

画像
無

: 9:00-16:30 (Last entry 16:00)

Every day of the week throughout the year
Admission : Adults 800 yen, High school and university students
500 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 400 yen* 200 yen discount for groups (20 or more people) and persons
over the age of 65

Oshima Is.
Mt. Mitake

Okitsu-miya Yohaisho, Munakata Taisha
Oshima Koryu-kan

Hakata8

in overseas exchanges and prospered.

inﬂuence of the Munakata clan.

This museum explains the history of the Shimbaru-Nuyama

The Shimbaru-Nuyama Mounded Tomb Group, which

what used to be an inlet, bear witness to the history and▼ Special Exhibition Room

Mounded Tomb Group to visitors through CG images, models

Munakata Roadside Station

Camellia Stage
Historical Museum

was constructed on a hill overlooking the sea and facing■ Camellia Stage Historical Museum

Konominato
Harbor

Shimbaru-Nuyama
Mounded Tomb Grouptimes up to the middle ages it was here where thealong coastal areas of the Munakata region, from ancient

The Yamato State had links to the Munakata clan and

Oshima Ferry

Uminomichi Munakatakan
Museumconducted rituals on Okinoshima.

Munakata clan, adept at sea navigation, engaged actively

Jinoshima Is.

Oshima Harbor

Nakatsu-miya
Munakata Taisha

Although today a tranquil rural landscape stretches

Munakata
City

Shimpo-kan Museum,
Munakata Taisha

Hetsu-miya,
Hetsu-miya
Munakata Taisha

Kokura
ma
shi
go
Ka
JR

Togo

e
Lin

and excavated artifacts. In the special exhibition room amust-see are the many and varied funerary items excavatedfrom the Tsuyazaki Mounded Tomb Group, a nationallydesignated historic site that includes Shimbaru-Nuyama
Mounded Tomb Group.

1-7-2 Tsuyazaki, Fukutsu City, Fukuoka TEL 0940-72-1207
http://camellia-st.com/museum/
Hours

Higashi
FukumaFukutsu
City

Fukuma←K

aog

KyushuI.C Expressway
Wakamiya I.C→

: 10:00-20:00

Closed Tuesdays (when Tuesday is a holiday, closed thefollowing working day), the last Wednesday of each month, andNew Yearʼ s holiday
Admission : Free

9

（Munakata City and Fukutsu City, Fukuoka）

Visit the Ancient Capital of Dazaifu
Beyond Munakata and Fukutsu cities, these museums in Fukuoka Prefecture have close links to the heritage sites.
■ Kyushu National Museum

Cross the Ocean to Oshima Guardian Island of the Deities

Kyushu National Museum is located next to Dazaifu

Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu City, where the government
administration that once ruled Kyushu was located. In the

Oshima is a tranquil island, lying 10km from Konominato

permanent Cultural Exchange Exhibition themed around thea population of approximately 600, many people who live

corner displaying ritual artifacts discovered on Okinoshima.

history of Japanʼ s cultural interactions with Asia there is a

Harbor in Munakata City, or 15 to 25 minutes by boat. With

▲ Kyushu National Museumon the island are ﬁsherfolk who have ﬁshed the seas around
Okinoshima and passed down its beliefs since ancient times.

4-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka TEL 050-5542-8600

On Oshima are two of the component parts of the World

https://www.kyuhaku.jp/en/

Heritage Site, namely Nakatsu-miya and Okitsu-miya Yohaishoof Munakata Taisha. From the summit of Mt. Mitake, thehighest point on Oshima, visitors can enjoy panoramic views

Hours▲ Okitsu-miya Yohaisho, Munakata Taisha

across the Genkai Sea to Okinoshima itself and back to theand historical features of this island that connects Okinoshima■ Oshima Koryu-kan
Based on the concept of Oshima as the “Guardian Island of
the Deities” this facility provides explanations throughvideos and panels about the people of Oshima and theirlinks with Okinoshima. Here you can get to know the historyof the island and its food, lifestyle, festivals and other folk
customs.

Closed Mondays (when Monday is a holiday, closed the following
working day) and New Yearʼs holiday▲ Dazaifu Government Oﬃce Ruins▲ View of the mainland of Kyushu, from the summit of Mt. Mitake▼ 3-wall Panoramic Screen■ Kyushu Historical Museum
This prefectural museum charts the history of Kyushu and▼ Kyushu Historical Museum (First Exhibition Room)Fukuoka Prefecture from the Paleolithic period to themodern era, including items excavated from Dazaifu
Government Oﬃce ruins, items retrieved from tomb
mounds, Buddhist statues and ancient documents.
5208-3 Mitsusawa, Ogori City, Fukuoka TEL 0942-75-9575
https://kyureki.jp/lang/en/

901-4 Oshima, Munakata City, Fukuoka TEL 0940-72-2797

Hours : 9:30-16:30 (Last entry 16:00)

http://searoad.city.munakata.lg.jp/oshimakouryukan

Closed Mondays (when Monday is a holiday, closed the following
working day) and New Yearʼs holiday

Hours: 10:00-16:00

Closed Mondays (when Monday is a holiday, closed the following working day),
New Yearʼs holiday, and when boats to the island are cancelled
Admission : Free10

: 9:30-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)

Admission : Adults 700 yen, University students 350 yen* Free to high school students and under, persons under18 or over 70

Kyushu mainland, gaining a real sense of the unique geographicalwith the mainland.

The Sacred Island of Okinoshima andAssociated Sites in the Munakata Region

The Sacred Island of Okinoshima andAssociated Sites in the Munakata Region

Admission (First and Third Exhibition Rooms) :Adults 210 yen, University and high school students 150 yen* Free for junior high school students and younger and persons over
the age of 65. Discounts for groups (20 people or more)

11

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo（Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture）

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

Situated next to the eastern precinct of Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine), Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
introduces the unique history and culture of Shimane from ancient times up to the present.

Izumo is home to various mythological sites and many notable ancient ruins. Of all the myths and legends

described in the Kojiki , Japanʼs oldest historical text, approximately one-third are set in Izumo, with the gods of
Izumo playing a major role. In addition, the Izumonokuni Fudoki , the only ancient Japanese geographical record
to be handed down almost intact to the present day, also details a number of precious traditions.

▼ Uzu pillars excavated from within the precinct of Izumo Taisha (in the collection of Izumo Taisha)▲ Bronze bells excavated from the Kamo-Iwakura site (Yayoi period; in the government collection (Agency for Cultural Aﬀairs))

Introduction to the exhibition

In the exhibition of the central lobby area, ﬁnd yourself
in the overwhelming presence of the base of enormous
wooden pillars ( “Uzu pillars” ) believed to have beenfrom the main hall of Izumo Taisha during the
Kamakura period (1185-1333).
The themed exhibition rooms introduce visitors to theancient culture of Shimane, based on the three themesof “Izumo Taisha and rituals in the land of the gods,”“The world of Izumonokuni Fudoki ,” and “Bronze
implements and decorative swords.” In the general
exhibition room visitors can ﬁnd a broad introduction tovarious topics that characterize the history and cultureof Shimane, including “Burial mounds with four
protuberant corners,” “Beads of Izumo,” “Iwami-Ginzan
Silver Mine,” and “Tatara iron manufacturing.”

12▲ Scale model approximating the main hall of Izumo Taisha in ancient times(in the collection of Izumo Taisha)

The myths of Izumo exhibition room presents the
mythological lore of the region in a fun and accessible
manner.

13

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo（Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture）

Ancient Munakata and Izumo had close links, thanks toAncient Izumo and Japanʼs faith and culture

maritime transport on the Sea of Japan. According to thethe old lunar calendar October was known around Japan as “Kannazuki ,” or the “month without gods,” but inKojiki , the god Okuninushi was wedded to the Goddess
Tagorihime of Okitsu-miya in Munakata. Also, in the Nihon
Shoki , another of Japanʼ s ancient annals, it is recorded

around the country congregated in Izumo at this time.

travelled to Kyushu and stayed there.

Izumo has long been known as the “land of the gods,” and “home to Japanʼ s myths and legends.” For example, inIzumo this month was known as “Kamiarizuki ,” or “month with gods,” as it was believed that all the gods from

Izumo Taisha is one of Japanʼ s oldest shrines, with origins that date back to Japanʼs earliest legends, when the

god Okuninushi called for a sumptuous shrine to be built in return for kuni-yuzuri (the transfer of the rulershipof Japan). The Izumo region, where so many ancient historic and cultural artifacts have been preserved is truly amust-visit region for anyone considering the origins of Japan.

▼ Izumo Taisha

Land

Land dragging

ing

dragg

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

Ancient Izumo and Munakata

Hokuriku

Izumo Taisha

ShillaIzumo

Okinoshimathat a distant predecessor of the Izumo-no-omi clan had

Munakata

Exchange also took place with the Korean Peninsula.

The famous “kuni-biki ” or “land-dragging” myth describes

how surplus land from Shilla on the Korean Peninsula andHokuriku in Japan was dragged by the gods to form the

Shimane Peninsula. From the ritual sites on Okinoshima
many items originating from Shilla in the sixth century
have also been discovered.

■Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
https://www.izm.ed.jp/english
99-4 Kitsuki-higashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane
TEL: 0853-53-8600

KawatoIzumotaisha-mae: 9:00-18:00 (9:00-17:00 November to February)(Last entry 30 minutes before closing)

Closed the third Tuesday of every month (when Tuesday is a holiday,
closed the following working day)
Admission:
Adults 620 yen (490 yen for groups*)
University students 410 yen (320 yen for groups*)
Elementary to high school students 200 yen (160 yen for groups*)* Groups of 20 or more people.

Izumo-shi

MatsueIchibata Electric Railway Shinjiko-OnsenLake Shinji

MatsueIzumo Airport
JR San'in Line

Shinji
JR Kisuki Line

Gotsu

▲

Hours

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Izumo Taisha■Access by train
7-minute walk from Izumotaisha-mae Station, Ichibata Electric Railway■Access by car
20 minutes from Izumo Interchange or 30 minutes from the Izumo Taki
Interchange, Sanʼin Expressway■Access by air (Izumo Airport)
Airport connecting bus : “Izumo Airport Bus” to “Izumotaisha” (approx. 35 mins)

14

15

Mozu Mounded Tombs Visitor Center/Sakai City Museum（Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture）

Mozu Mounded Tombs Visitor Center/Sakai city Museum

Mozu Mounded Tombs Visitor Center is a facility to share the value and attractions of the World Heritage site

Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group and is located next to the Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun (Daisen Kofun), one of theworldʼ s largest kofun (mounded tomb) with a mound stretching 500 meters in length. Nearby is also Sakai City
Museum, where visitors can deepen their understanding of kofun culture through ﬁrst-hand historical materials.

Mozu Kofun Group was constructed during the period from the latter half of the fourth century to the latter

half of the ﬁfth century and is the burial site for the kings who ruled the ancient Japanese archipelago. Locatedon the Osaka Plain, which was one of the major political and cultural centers at the time and also a point of
departure for ships leaving for the Asian continent, the group comprises many unique keyhole-shaped mounded▲ Haniwa from Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun in Sakai City Museum (replicas and reproductions)tombs, as well as a large number of smaller tombs. Together with the Furuichi Kofun Group in Habikino andFujiidera cities, the entire group was inscribed as World Heritage in 2019.

▼ Theater in Mozu Mounded Tombs Visitor Center

Introduction to the exhibition
At Mozu Mounded Tombs Visitor Center you canexperience the imposing grandeur of the kofun groupin a theater equipped with ultra-high-deﬁnition 8K

video projected on both the walls and ﬂoor. There arealso introductory exhibits explaining the World

Heritage site, together with a tourist informationoﬃce and souvenir corner.

Sakai City Museum displays a variety of artifacts,

both originals and replicas, excavated from the Mozu
Kofun Group. Artifacts excavated from the Suemura

Kiln Site Group, where large quantities of Sue ware

were once ﬁred using techniques introduced from the

Korean Peninsula during the Kofun period, are also ofgreat historical value.

16▲ Model of the stone burial chamber and stone sarcophagus foundat Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun (Sakai City Museum)17

Mozu Mounded Tombs Visitor Center/Sakai City Museum（Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture）

Mozu-Furuichi and Munakata
The era of mounded tomb burials reached its peak during
the late fourth to late ﬁfth centuries, which was the time

The Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group bears outstanding witness to the unique history of the people of the Japanesearchipelago, characterized by the expression of power through the formation of mounded tombs, in a time before

the establishment of the ﬁrst ancient, centralized state. These kofun mounded tombs are of a style unique to theJapanese archipelago, and the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group is a representative example, which illustrates the periodof the formation and development of ancient kingly power that emerged in response to the political turmoil in East
Asia.

▼ CG recreating the Mozu Mounded Tombs

when the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group was constructed.

This was precisely the same time that ancient state rituals

Mozu Mounded Tombs Visitor Center/Sakai city Museum

Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group and Japanʼs faith and culture

started to be held on top of the huge rock on Okinoshima.

The kings of the Yamato State who built these▲Site 17 of Okinoshima(State in which ancient bronze mirrors were discovered)monumental tombs on the Osaka Plain facing Osaka Bay
dispatched diplomatic missions to states on the Korean

Peninsula and mainland China, conducting grand rituals

on Okinoshima, which was considered the guardian deityof the ocean. The Munakata clan, a powerful local clan
involved in the rituals of Okinoshima, also built the

Shimbaru-Nuyama Mounded Tomb Group on the hills
overlooking the ocean. (See p. 9)▲ Aerial view of Mozu Mounded Tombs■Mozu Mounded Tombs Visitor Center
https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/kanko/rekishi/sei

Osaka (Itami)
AirportHours: 9:00-18:00

Closed for New Yearʼs holiday
Admission : Free

2 Mozu-Sekiuncho, Sakai Ward, Sakai City, Osaka TEL : 072-245-6201
Hours: 9:30-17:15 (Last entry 16:30)

Closed Mondays (open when Monday is a holiday)
and New Yearʼ s holiday

Admission: General admission 200 yen, University and high school
students 100 yen, Junior high and elementary school students 50 yen* Discounts for groups (20 people or more)

18

Midosuji Line

Nintoku-tenno-ryo
Kofun

Namba

P

Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line

Furuichi Kofun Group

Mozu

NankaiLine

KansaiInternational
AirportMozu

Mikunigaoka ● Furuichi
Nakamozu
Kishi

Kongo Bus

Nankai Koya
Line
JR Hanwa
Line

HinenoTo NaraTennoji/Abeno-bashi

Sumiyoshi
Taisha ●Sakai City Museum
Mozu Mounded Tombs
Visitor Center

Tsuruhashi
Kintetsu Nara Line

ShinImamiya

https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/kanko/hakubutsukan

To Kyoto/Tokyo

JR Osaka Loop Line

Osaka/Umeda
Mikunigaoka■Sakai City Museum

Shinkansen

Shin-Osaka

To Kobe/Hakata

2-160 Mozu-Sekiuncho, Sakai Ward, Sakai City, Osaka TEL : 072-245-6682

Senri Chuo

Kawachi-NaganoTondabayashi

Kintetsu Nagano
Line
Chikatsu-Asuka

Museum

To Koyasan

19

Osaka Pref. Chikatsu-Asuka Museum（Kanan Town, Osaka Prefecture）

The Chikatsu-Asuka Museum is run by Osaka Prefecture and housed in a building designed by international
renowned architect Tadao Ando, located next to the Ichisuka Mounded Tomb Group, one of Japanʼ s foremost

Osaka Pref.
Chikatsu-Asuka Museum

groups of mounded tombs.

The region in the vicinity of Asuka in Habikino City was once an advanced region situated along the routelinking Naniwa Bay (Osaka City), which was the main port for the Yamato State, and the political center of Asukain Yamato (Asuka Village in Nara Prefecture, then known as Totsu-Asuka , meaning “Far Asuka” ). It is recordedin Japanʼs ancient historical text the Kojiki that this region was named “Chikatsu-Asuka ,” meaning “Near Asuka”.

▲ Model of Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun

To the south of this region is the Shinagadani Valley, which is home to a number of large tombs dating from thelate sixth century to the seventh century), including the tombs of a number of Japanʼs emperors.

▼ Chikatsu-Asuka Museum designed by Tadao Ando in the image of a mounded tomb (Kofun)

Introduction to the exhibition
The permanent exhibitions of the museum are split
into three zones.

Zone 1 covers “Chikatsu-Asuka and International

Inﬂuence, displaying exhibits on the theme of howfrom the fourth to the seventh and eighth centuries
culture and technologies were brought into Japan
from the Korean Peninsula and mainland China.

Zone 2 introduces the “Origins of an Ancient State,”

displaying exhibits such as haniwa and stone
sarcophagi from the Kofun period. One of themust-see exhibits here is a 1/150 scale model of

Heritage,” exhibiting one of Japanʼ s largest “Shura” (akeyhole-shaped tomb, which recreates what it must

du ring t he K ofu n period, exc a v a t ed f rom t he

Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun, Japanʼ s largest

have looked like during construction, including 3,000
model people.

Zone 3 covers “Modern Science and Our Cultural

20▲ Preserved Shura (wooden sled)large wooden sled-like tool used for transportation
Mitsuzuka Kofun in Fujiidera City), which has beenpreserved using the latest modern scientiﬁctechnologies.

21

Osaka Pref. Chikatsu-Asuka Museum（Kanan Town, Osaka Prefecture）

Chikatsu-Asuka and Munakata
From Okinoshima, various ritual artifacts from Shilla andother kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula and Chinese

Chikatsu-Asuka and Japanʼ s faith and culture

dynasties have been discovered, as represented by thegold ring excavated from Site 8. From the Ichisuka

eventually become modern-day Japan began to crystallize, and the inﬂow of people, goods, and knowledge fromoverseas would lead to the establishment of a full-ﬂedged state. Osaka, which is one of the centers of kofun culture,
as represented by the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, is also a region that was profoundly inﬂuenced by introduced
culture.

At Chikatsu-Asuka Museum visitors can learn about the history of Japanʼ s ancient state and its interactions withthe outside world, such as Buddhist culture in the seventh century, and writing culture in the eighth century.

▼ Ichisuka Mounded Tomb Group and Introduced Culture

Mounded Tomb Group next to Chikatsu-Asuka Museum,

Osaka Pref.
Chikatsu-Asuka Museum

The Kofun period (third to seventh centuries) was a period during which the formation of the state that would

many funerary items have been found that also relate topeople and culture from the Korean Peninsula.

Munakata is known as a region that had an almost▲ Gold Ring from Site 8 of Okinoshima

constant history of inﬂow of people from the Korean

Peninsula, and many artifacts brought from there havebeen excavated. It could be very interesting to stop andcompare the introduced culture of Munakata and Kyushu
with that of the Kinki region.

▲ Gold Earrings with hanging
ornaments from Ichisuka Tomb B-7▲ Silver Rings from Ichisuka Tomb I-20

■Chikatsu-Asuka Museum

http://www.chikatsu-asuka.jp/?s=english/

Osaka (Itami)
AirportSenri Chuo

Midosuji Line

Hours : 9:45-17:00 (First entry to the exhibition rooms 10:00;
Last entry 16:30)
Closed Mondays (when Monday is a holiday, closed thefollowing working day) and New Yearʼ s holiday
Admission: Adults 310 yen, University and high school students andpersons over 65 210 yen, Free for junior high school students and under* Discounts for groups (20 people or more)■Access by train and bus

From Kishi Station or Tondabayashi Station on the Kintetsu Nagano Line,take Kongo Bus to Chikatsu-Asuka Hakubutsukan-mae bus stop,then walk for approx. 8 mins.

22

To Kyoto/Tokyo

JR Osaka Loop Line

Osaka/Umeda

299 Higashiyama, Kanan Town, Osaka TEL : 0721-93-8321

Shinkansen

Shin-Osaka

To Kobe/Hakata

Namba

Tsuruhashi

To NaraKintetsu Nara Line

Shin-Imamiya

Tennoji/Abeno-bashi

Sumiyoshi
Taisha ●Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line

Furuichi Kofun Group

Mozu Mounded Tombs
Visitor Center
Mozu

Nankai Line

Mikunigaoka ● Furuichi
Nakamozu
Kishi

Kongo Bus

Nankai Koya
Line

KansaiInternational
AirportJR Hanwa
Line

HinenoKawachi-NaganoTondabayashi

Kintetsu Nagano
Line

Osaka Pref.

Chikatsu-Asuka Museum
To Koyasan
至高野山

23

Saiku Historical Museum（Meiwa Town, Mie Prefecture）

Saiku Historical Museum is an archaeological museum that displays the history of the “Saiku,” which endured forapproximately 660 years from the seventh to fourteenth centuries. The “Saiku” was the palace of the “Saio,” anunmarried imperial princess, who served the goddess Amaterasu at Ise Jingu on behalf of the emperor. It also
served as the oﬃces of the oﬃcials who served the Saio.

During the Heian period (794-1185), the Saiku was located on a plot of land 120 meters long on each side. It

government oﬃce district of the capital. Today the key structures of the Saiku in the early Heian period have

Saiku Historical Museum

was here where many government buildings were built and the appearance would have been something like the▲ Saiku Heian Era Park (Recreation of ancient buildings)

been recreated as Historical Park “Saiku Heian Era Park” in the National Historic Site “Saiku-ato Site,” based on
excavation research.

▼ Exhibition Hall 1 (Introduction to the Saio system)

Introduction to the exhibition
Taking clues from historical documents and theoutcomes of excavations, the museum displays andexplains the processes and characteristics of the Saio
system and the appearance of the Saiku, enabling
visitors to feel the wonder of history through the
Saiku.

Exhibition Hall 1 displays models based on

historical documents that give a sense of theceremonies and lifestyle of the Saio during the heightof the Heian period.

Exhibition Hall 2 displays a wealth of archaeological▲ Exhibition Hall 2(Introduction to results of archaeological excavations)from the seventh to fourteenth centuries, as revealed

videos of beautiful reenactments of the ceremonies ofmaterials and various recreated models of the Saiku
by archaeological excavations.

In the Motion Picture Exhibition Hall visitors can see

24

the Saio, the Saioʼ s procession from the capital to Ise,and the appearance of the Saiku in the Heian era.

25

Saiku Historical Museum（Meiwa Town, Mie Prefecture）

Saiku and Munakata
In ancient times, Munakata-gun (district) was one of the

few “divine districts” in Japan, as was Take-gun, where the

Saiku and Japanʼs faith and culture

Saiku, home to the imperial princesses who served thegoddess Amaterasu, was located. The legends of the

The Saio, an unmarried imperial princess who spent her days in the service of the gods at Ise, far from thecapital, had more than 500 oﬃcials and ladies-in-waiting in her service at the height of her power, and those

Tale of Genji. Unique in the world, the Saio system dates back to the seventh century, when Japanʼs ancient state
was established, and can be said to be of the utmost importance when considering the relationship between theJapanese people and their gods.

the Three Female Deities of Munakata were born from thebreath of the goddess Amaterasu herself.

In addition, from among the ritual sites on Okinoshima

Saiku Historical Museum

grand and opulent times have been described in some of Japanʼ s most famous classical literature, including theancient annals the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki , describe how▲ Gilt-bronze Miniature Pentachordfrom Site 5 of Okinoshima▼ Articles unearthed from Saiku-ato site
(Important Cultural Properties of Japan)

a number of ritual artifacts in the original shape of thedivine treasures of Ise Jingu have been excavated. These

artifacts are therefore a tangible representation that state▼ The Procession, called the Saio Gunko (Saio departing from the capital)

rituals were held on Okinoshima like those of Ise Jingu.

■ Saiku Historical Museum

https://www.bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/saiku/p0048200001.htm
503 Takegawa, Meiwa Town, Mie TEL : 0596-52-3800
Hours: 9:30-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)

Closed Mondays (open when Monday is a holiday), the day
after national holidays (except Saturdays and Sundays),
and New Yearʼ s holiday
Admission: General admission 340 yen, University students
230 yen, Free for all elementary to high school students* Discounts for groups (20 people or more)■Access by train : Get oﬀ at Saiku Station on the Kintetsu Railway,
and walk for approx. 15 mins.
* Saiku Station is unstaﬀed. Ticket barriers are on the north side(for Itsukinomiya Hall for Historical Experience and Historical Park)and the south side.

26

Ise Bay

Kushida River
23

MatsuzakaMatsuzaka
I.C.

42

JR Kisei Line
Ise
Expressway

Seiwa Taki I.C.

Harai River

Saiku Historical Museum

Grave of Princess
TakakoItsukinomiya Hall
for Historical ExperienceSa
Pre iku
To fecba tu
Ma al rtsu oadzakaline
JR Sangu Line

Tamaki I.C.

Iseshi

Jingu
Miyagawa Ise(Geku)
River27

Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka（Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture）

Situated close to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Mt. Fuji World Heritage

Centre was opened in December 2017 to highlight and protect the appeal of Mt. Fuji. Visitors can experience
the wonders of World Heritage site Mt. Fuji through an elaborately designed video display.

In 2013 Mt. Fuji was inscribed as a World Heritage site, as “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic

inspiration.” As the focal point for worship, as represented by the Fuji-ko faith, and as a place that has helped tonurture various arts, such as ukiyoe woodblock prints, Mt. Fuji is a global treasure to be handed down to the▼ Mt. Fuji viewed from Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre

Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka

future, symbolizing the symbiosis between humans and nature.

▲ Spiral Slope in the Exhibition Hall

Introduction to the exhibition
The facility is laid out on ﬁve ﬂoors, and visitors canexperience what it feels like to climb Mt. Fuji from theocean, by climbing up the 193-meter-long spiralslope while watching time-lapse videos. They can also
enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Fuji from the top-ﬂoor
hall and the outdoor terrace.

The permanent exhibitions tell the story of Mt. Fuji,

from its creation as a volcano, to its presence as asacred mountain, a beautiful mountain that has▲ Top Floor Exhibition Hall

inspired the arts, a mountain environment rich innature, and what the future holds.

In the movie theater with its 265-inch screen,

visitors can enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Fuji in allseasons and from the air, in crystal-clear 4K images.

28

29

Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka（Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture）

Mt. Fuji and Munakata
Mt. Fuji is renowned as Japanʼ s “sacred mountain.”

Similarly to the “Sacred Island” of Okinoshima, this belief in

Mt. Fuji and Japanʼs faith and culture
In the form of Fujisan Worship, Mt. Fuji oﬀers rare evidence of the cultural tradition of mountain worship that

Mt. Fuji can be traced back to ancient times, and both sites

share the tradition of “yohai,” or worship from afar. These
are outstanding examples of nature worship in Japan.

At Yamamiya Sengen-jinja Shrine in Fujinomiya City

remains a living practice to this day, and one that conveys the faith of the Japanese people in nature. Originating

there is a Yohaisho (site dedicated to worship of Mt. Fuji

for the spring waters at the foot of the mountain was nurtured, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony

worshipped as a deity. Although the shrine has no mainfrom peopleʼs beliefs in gods and Buddha, who were thought to reside on Mt. Fuji, the tradition of giving thankswith an active and intermittently erupting volcano.

classical literature, such as the Manʼyoshu , and since the fourteenth century it has been a favorite subject for all
kinds of paintings. The image of Mt. Fuji as depicted in Ukiyoe woodblock prints of the Edo period (1603-1868)
also had an impact on Western art, and the mountain has become a symbol of Japan and Japanese culture.

Fujisan Omote-guchi Shinmen no Zu (Map of the route up Mt. Fuji (main route))hall, instead an altar is constructed at the very tip of thelava ﬂow from one of Mt. Fujiʼs eruptions.

Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka

Since ancient times Mt. Fuji has also been the inspiration for various artistic activities. It was ﬁrst mentioned infrom afar), where Mt. Fuji itself is enshrined andIn Munakata, the Okitsu-miya Yohaisho, a place forworshipping Okinoshima from afar, is situated on the northcoast of Oshima, approximately 48 kilometers from

Okinoshima, and is the place where rituals to the gods of
Okinoshima were held. (see p. 10)▲ Fujisan Yohaisho of Yamamiya Sengen-jinja Shrine/ Photo: Fujinomiya City

↑Kofu

▲

■Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka
https://mtfuji-whc.jp/en/

5-12 Miyamachi, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka
TEL: 0544-21-3776

30

Fujinomiya
Fuji

Shizuoka

Li
ne
id
o

JR
GotenbaLine

Shinkansen
Atami
NumazuJR Tokaido Line

Sagami Bay

To

ka

en

Shin-Fujikans

Admission : Adults 300 yen (groups 200 yen*)Free for people under 15, over 70, and junior high school touniversity students* Groups of 20 or more people.

Mt. Fuji World Heritage
Centre, Shizuoka

Fujisan
Yamamiya
Sengen-jinja Shrine
Fujisan Hongu
Sengen Taisha Shrine

JR

Closed the third Tuesday of each month (when Tuesday is aholiday, closed the following working day) and facility
inspection daysin

: 9:00-17:00 (July/August: 9:00-18:00)(Last entry 30 mins. before closing)

Sh

Hours

JR
Minobu Line

■Access by train : Get oﬀ at Fujinomiya Station on the JR Minobu Line,then walk for approx. 8 mins.

31

National Museum of Japanese History（Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture）

The National Museum of Japanese History, known popularly in Japanese as Rekihaku, is a general museum ofJapanese history engaged in the research and exhibition of Japanese history and culture. Since opening in 1983,
the museum has been presenting the history and folklore culture of the Japanese archipelago from the

Paleolithic period 37,000 years ago to the 1970s. In addition to actual historic artifacts the museum enables all
visitors to deepen their understanding, using a diverse range of precise replicas, reconstructed models, anddioramas.

In Permanent Exhibition Gallery 1 “Prehistory and Ancient Time” there is an exhibit about Okinoshima with

Gallery 1 (Ancient State vs. Diverse Archipelagic World)many replicas of ritual artifacts, and a full-scale diorama that elaborately reproduces the Okinoshima ritual site.
Following the renovation of Exhibition Gallery 1 in 2019, an exhibit on the ritual site of Jungmak-dong on thewas added to the galleryʼs exhibits.

▼ Gallery 1 (Okinoshima Island)

32

National Museum of Japanese History

west coast of the Korean Peninsula, which similarly to Okinoshima was an ancient ritual site for safe navigation,

Introduction to the exhibition

The museumʼ s permanent exhibitions are housed in a
total of six galleries. Gallery 1 (Prehistory and AncientTime) was renovated in March 2019 on three basic
themes of social history, environmental history, andinternational interactions, and to reﬂect the latest
research outcomes and contemporary perspectives. The
lifestyles and cultures of prehistoric and ancient peoplesof Japan are introduced in line with eight broad themes.
In addition to the exhibition rooms, the corridor in the
courtyard forms a “pathway of stone monuments,”featuring a row of precise replicas of ancient stonemonuments. Only 17 such ancient stone monuments
remain in Japan, and 11 of them are on display here at
Rekihaku, including the Three Stelae of Kozuke, which
are inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World
register.

▲ Pathway of Stone Monuments

33

National Museum of Japanese History（Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture）

Rekihaku and Munakata
It was in 1979 that the preparatory oﬃce for the planned

new museum “Rekihaku” decided to exhibit the Okinoshima

Rekihaku and Japanʼ s faith and culture

ritual sites, in recognition of the academic importance ofRekihaku is home to exhibits representative of Japanese history and folklore culture from the Paleolithic period

the sites and their vital presence in any museum dedicatedto Japanese history. Staﬀ were dispatched to Munakata,through to the present day under 29 themes, with a focus on social history. The museum engages actively inand not only did they create precise replicas of ritual items

ﬂexible understanding of history to all people, from both Japan and overseas.

recreates Site 5 and Site 17 on the island. Very shortly after

promoting understanding of Japanese history and culture, by providing diverse historical perspectives and aGallery 1: Prehistory and Ancient Time

Gallery 2: Japan from the 8th to 17th Centuries

found on Okinoshima, they also made a diorama thatthe opening of Rekihaku itself, the exhibition on

Gallery 3: Early Modern Japan

Okinoshima was opened to the public in March 1984.

The life-size dioramas of the Okinoshima ritual sites are■National Museum of Japanese History
https://www.rekihaku.ac.jp/english
117 Jonaicho, Sakura City, Chiba
TEL: 050-5541-8600
Hours

Closed: Mondays (when Monday is a holiday, closed thefollowing working day) and New Yearʼ s holiday
Admission:
General admission 600 yen (Groups* 350 yen)
University students 250 yen (Groups* 200 yen)Free admission for all students of high school age and under.
* Groups of 20 or more people.

34

A Focus on "Folklore" / Anxiety and Prayer / Life
and Waza , Skills Informed by Accumulated Knowledge

Civilization and Enlightenment / Industrialization andDevelopment of Hokkaido / A New Urban Lifestyle

War and Peace / The Postwar Lifestyle Revolution

Ueno

National Museum ofJapanese History
Keisei Line

Tokyo

ne

: March to September 9:30 ‒ 17:00
October to February 9:30 ‒ 16:30(Last entry 30 mins. before closing)

Keisei LineLi

Gallery 6: Contemporary Japan

Keisei Narita Airport Linebu

Gallery 5: Japan in the Modern Era

Early Modern Japan and the International Community/ The Urban Age / The Flow of People and Goods / A
Village Perspective on "Modern Japan" / Early Modern
Japan in Maps

So

Gallery 4: Folklore Culture

Court Culture (10th - 12th Centuries) / East Versus
West (12th - 15th Centuries) / Daimyo and Uprisings(15th - 16th Centuries) / Commoner Life and Culture(14th - 16th Centuries) / Japan in the Maritime Age(15th to mid-17th Centuries) / History of Printing (8th
- 17th Centuries)▲ Diorama of Site 17 (National Museum of Japanese History)

JR

People Who Lived Through the Last Glacial Period /Diversity of the Jomon Culture in the JapaneseArchipelago / The Beginning of Wet Rice Cultivation /Emergence of Wa / Keyhole-Shaped Kofun of Wa andEast Asia / Ancient State vs. Diverse Archipelagic
World / Okinoshima Island / The Shosoin Documents

National Museum of Japanese History

the only ones of their kind in the world.

Haneda Airport

Keisei
SakuraSta.

JR
SakuraSta.
JR Sobu Line

NaritaInternational
AirportNaritaJR Narita Line
JR Sobu Line

Chiba

Tokyo Bay

■From Tokyo : Take the JR Sobu Line from Tokyo Station to Sakura Station(approx. 60 mins), then take a bus for approx. 15 mins
Take the Keisei Line from Keisei Ueno Station to Keisei Sakura Station(approx. 55 mins), then walk for approx. 15 mins
■From Narita : Take the JR Narita Line from Narita Station to Sakura Station(approx. 16 mins), then take a bus for approx. 15 mins
Take the Keisei Line from Keisei Narita Station to Keisei Sakura Station(approx. 10 mins), then walk for approx. 15 mins

35