The symbols of the city are the key lock shaped tombs surrounded by rivers. The biggest of these tombs is the tomb of Emperor Nintoku.
Tomb of Emperor Nintoku
The period from the end of the 3ed century A.D. to the end of the 7th century A.D. is called the Age of Kofun or “old tombs” in the history of Japan. In those days many colossal barrows were built as tombs dedicaed to the memory of the Imperial Family, nobles and powerful men of the central government. Of course it was a custom inimitable fo the common PeoPle.
The mausoleum, which is also named “Mozu-no-Mimihara Nakanomisasagi” or “Daisen-ryo” is thought to have been built in the early 5th century when the ancient culture of Japan was at its height and the Emperor’s power was being established in and around the Yamato district (now Nara Prefecture).
According to the oldest archives, such as “Kojiki” in 712, and “Nihon syoki” (The Chronicles of Ancient Japan) in 720, Emperor Nintoku, who is entombed in this mausoleum, was the 16th Emperor of the Imperial Family, and he loved his people dearly. That is why he was given the name “Nintoku” after his death which means “benevolence”.
The mausoleum as seen from the air is trapezoid shaped in front and round in the rear. The lofty barrow surrounded by the three moats constitutes the main tomb. Outside the moats, there are 12 minor subordinate tombs which look as if they were guardians for peace of the deceased Emperor.
The mausoleum itself has never been opened, but a variety of implements and ornaments often used to be buried with the dead have been unearthed around it.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston exhibits armor and swords which are said to have been found here, and also in Tokyo National Museum a girl’s head made of clay which was part of “Haniwa” dolls buried in this neighborhood is preserved.
- Area:
- 464,125 square meters (115 acres)
- Circumference:
- 2,718 meters (1.7 miles)
- East-west Length:
- 656 meters (718 yards)
- North-south Length:
- 793 meters (868 yards)
To my surprise, this observatory deck is free and open to public until late in the evening (around 9, even on weekdays).
Not many people know about this place, so I was almost the only one up there.
Beautiful night view all to myself =]
I wish I could come back during the day time and have a better picture of the city.
Different seasons of Sakai
Since I already walked to another station operated by nankai tensha. It’s cheaper to transfer in Namba than taking the original route back here.
