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The Saitobaru Kofun Group is a special historic site located on the western side of Saito City, Miyazaki Prefecture. It features a vast plateau dotted with more than 300 ancient burial mounds (kofun) constructed between the 3rd and 7th centuries. This site is a significant landmark that tells the story of Japan's ancient history. The Saito Archaeological Museum is situated within the site, designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape, treating the entire vast burial mound area as a living exhibit.
This region was once a central hub for politics and culture in ancient Japan. The numerous burial mounds scattered across the plateau serve as precious records of the social structures and funerary rituals of that era. As a designated Special Historic Site and a part of Japan Heritage, the area is deeply connected to the myths of the Hyuga region and legends surrounding Emperor Jimmu, Japan's legendary first emperor.
The greatest attraction is the sweeping view of the burial mounds spread across the immense area. At the Saito Archaeological Museum, visitors can view excavated artifacts and learn about the daily lives of ancient people. The museum building itself is architecturally designed to respect and harmonize with the surrounding kofun landscape. The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, offering a different atmosphere throughout the year.
Spring (around March to April) is the most spectacular season. Approximately 2,000 cherry trees and 300,000 rapeseed flowers bloom, painting the plateau in shades of pink and bright yellow. This colorful landscape is a famous photography spot. Additionally, there are occasional night-time illumination events where you can witness the mystical beauty of the ancient mounds under the night sky.
Various seasonal events are held around the Saitobaru Kofun area. For instance, during the spring