Japan Navigator

Chikatsu-Asuka is an area in southern Osaka Prefecture rich in ancient history. There are over 200 tumuli graves (kofun) from the 6th and 7th century, and also the famous Prince Shotoku is said to be buried here at Eifukuji Temple. It was therefore the obvious choice for a museum dedicated to tomb culture. The new facility, in a splendid design by renowned architect Ando Tadao, is characterized by a huge sloping stepped roof. Inside, you will find a vaulted space like a blown-up tumulus grave. The museum displays both models and archeological items from the Kofun- and Asuka-periods.

[Chikatsu-Asuka Museum, Osaka (Ando Tadao)]

The first section, “Chikatsu-Asuka and international influence,” starts with the theme of “The Five Kings of Wa,” where you will find a reproduction of the famous NT iron sword with seven-branched blades kept in the Isonokami Shrine, as well as mirrors and horse trappings from Korea and China.

The theme “The age of Prince Shotoku” presents a reproduction of the prince’s tumulus with its lacquered caskets.

[Chikatsu-Asuka Museum, Osaka (Ando Tadao)]

“The spread of Buddhism” is an extensive section on roof tile making and types of tiles; there is also a section on the various forms of temple lay-out.

“The distribution of a new writing system” has Sue and Haji pottery with inscriptions as well as writing tablets used by bureaucrats.

[Chikatsu-Asuka Museum, Osaka (Ando Tadao)]

In “The end of the tumulus period” you will find belt ornaments from the 8th c. and models of late stone burial chambers.

In the second section, “The origins of an ancient realm,” you first enter “The world of the pit-style burial chamber” with models of graves and the objects found there as mirrors and weapons – here also a large number of beautiful haniwa clay figures and cylinders is on display.

[Chikatsu-Asuka Museum, Osaka (Ando Tadao)]

Next you receive information on communities and iron production as well as a burial mound construction camp; there are examples of sarcophaguses; and examples of pottery from various tomb clusters.

“The world of the corridor-style burial chamber” provides information on the Nintoku Tumulus, the largest burial chamber in Japan.

[Chikatsu-Asuka Museum, Osaka (Ando Tadao)]

The short third section, finally, gives information about the scientific preservation of wooden and iron artifacts, such as a wooden shura sledge used to transport heavy loads. This attractive museum provides visitors with an English audio commentary.

Tel: 0721-93-8321
299 Higashiyama, Kanan-cho, Minami-Kawachi-gun, Osaka-fu 585-0001
Hours:10:00-17:00; CL Mon (Next day if NH), NY
Access: Near the last stop of the Kongo bus for Hannan-Neopolis from Kishi St on the Kintetsu Nagano line
Official website