Amenomiya Kofun Group

Amenomiya Kofun Group: The Royal Tombs of Ancient Noto

High on the ridges of Mount Bijo, overlooking the Noto Peninsula and the distant Sea of Japan, lies one of the most significant burial grounds of ancient Japan. The Amenomiya Kofun Group is a cluster of approximately 36 ancient tombs built between the mid-4th and early 5th centuries—a time when powerful regional chieftains rose to control the lands of Noto. Designated as a National Historic Site in 1982, this open-air archaeological park invites visitors to walk among the resting places of forgotten kings and to take in some of the finest panoramic views in the Hokuriku region.

For travelers seeking authentic encounters with prehistoric Japan beyond the well-trodden paths of Kyoto and Nara, Amenomiya offers something rare: a chance to explore monumental Kofun-era tombs that have been carefully restored to their original appearance, set within a peaceful mountaintop park.

Historical Background

The Kofun period (roughly the 3rd to 7th centuries CE) was a transformative era in Japanese history when local rulers began building enormous keyhole-shaped earthen mounds to display their authority and lineage. While the largest tombs of this period are concentrated in the Kinai region around modern-day Osaka and Nara, the Amenomiya Kofun Group reveals just how far this burial culture spread along the Sea of Japan coast.

The group sits at the summit area of Mount Bijo, at an elevation of roughly 188 meters, in what is today the town of Nakanoto in Ishikawa Prefecture. The two principal tombs—Mound No. 1 and Mound No. 2—face each other across the highest part of the ridge, locally known as Raigamine, or "Thunder Peak." Local folklore long held that these mounds were the divine resting places of paired turtle deities and the sacred grave of Amehikagehime-no-Kami, and a small Shinto shrine once stood on the front section of Mound No. 1.

The grandeur of Mound No. 1 and Mound No. 2, together with the rich grave goods recovered from them, suggests that the people interred here held authority across the entire Noto region. Their tombs are typically discussed alongside the Odanaka Shinnozuka Kofun and Kamezuka Kofun, which sit on the opposite side of the Ouchigata Rift Valley—forming a striking pair of contemporary royal cemeteries that face one another across the broad plain.

Why It Was Designated a National Historic Site

The Amenomiya Kofun Group was designated a National Historic Site of Japan on October 12, 1982. The designation recognized several remarkable qualities of the site.

First, Mound No. 1 is a zenpō-kōhōfun (a square-fronted, square-backed mound) measuring 64 meters in length—the largest of its kind in Ishikawa Prefecture and among the largest in the entire Hokuriku region. Constructed in two stepped tiers with slopes covered in fukiishi (cobble facing stones), it represents a sophisticated example of the engineering techniques used by early Kofun-period rulers.

Second, Mound No. 2 is a zenpō-kōenfun (a square-fronted, round-backed mound, the classic "keyhole" shape) of approximately 65 meters in length. The pairing of a square-back mound and a round-back mound of comparable size at a single site is unusual and historically valuable.

Third, the site provides essential evidence for understanding the political geography of ancient Noto. Together with the Odanaka Shinnozuka Kofun and Kamezuka Kofun across the rift valley, the Amenomiya tombs document a sophisticated regional power structure that flourished long before written records reached this part of Japan.

Following the designation, Nakanoto Town conducted a five-year archaeological excavation beginning in 1992. From 1994 onward, with support from the Agency for Cultural Affairs' Special Project for the Utilization of Historic Sites, the mounds were carefully restored to approximate their original appearance—including the laborious task of re-laying the cobble facing on Mound No. 1.

Highlights and Things to See

Mound No. 1 — The Great Square-Backed Tomb

The crown jewel of the site, Mound No. 1, sits at the highest point of the ridge. Its dimensions are imposing: the rear square section measures 43.6 meters wide and 8.5 meters tall, while the forward section extends 31 meters in width. The entire mound is covered with fukiishi cobblestones, which would have shimmered in the sun when newly built. Visitors who climb to the summit are rewarded with sweeping views over Nanao Bay, the Sekidozan mountains, the Ouchigata Rift Valley, and the Sea of Japan.

Mound No. 2 — The Keyhole Tomb

Just to the northeast of Mound No. 1, Mound No. 2 takes the more familiar keyhole form, where a circular rear section connects to a trapezoidal front. Standing on its rear circular section gives visitors a spectacular view down toward the Nanao area—a breathtaking spot for a quiet moment.

The Amenomiya Noto Royal Tomb Hall

Near the entrance to the Amenomiya Kofun Park stands the Amenomiya Noto Royal Tomb Hall (Amenomiya Noto Ōbo no Yakata), a small but excellent guidance facility. Inside, you can see actual artifacts excavated from Mound No. 1—including bronze mirrors, stone bracelets, swords, and weapons—along with a full-scale replica of the clay-coffin burial chamber. A short video introduces the kofun in clear, family-friendly terms, and local guides are sometimes available to walk visitors through the displays.

The Trail Experience

Two walking routes connect the entrance to the main mounds. One path runs past the Royal Tomb Hall and climbs through cedar woods along a forest trail, while the other passes the Mitarashi Pond and winds upward at a gentler grade. Both routes involve some elevation change and stairs, so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. Interpretive signage in Japanese helps identify each numbered tomb along the way.

Surrounding Attractions

The mid-Noto region around Nakanoto Town offers a wealth of cultural and natural sights that pair beautifully with a visit to Amenomiya. The Roadside Station Orihime no Sato Nakanoto serves as a useful base, with local produce, regional pork dishes, and tourist information. The Noto Jōfu Hall preserves and showcases the local hemp-textile tradition that has been practiced here for nearly two thousand years, with weaving demonstrations and hands-on workshops available.

Across the Ouchigata Rift Valley, history enthusiasts will want to seek out the Odanaka Shinnozuka Kofun—a large round mound managed by the Imperial Household Agency as a possible imperial tomb—together with the nearby Kamezuka Kofun. For those drawn to mountain spirituality, Mount Sekidōzan in eastern Nakanoto preserves the remains of one of the most important Shugendō religious centers of the Hokuriku region. The Amehikagehime Shrine, historically connected to the kofun area and once the focal point of regional rain-prayer rituals, lies nearby and is itself worth a respectful visit.

Travelers who continue north can easily reach the famed Wakura Onsen hot springs, the Notojima Aquarium, and the historic castle town of Nanao within an hour's drive.

Important Notice for Visitors

Please be aware that the area was affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake of January 2024. As of the latest information available, access to the main Mound No. 1 and Mound No. 2 areas has been restricted, and the Amenomiya Noto Royal Tomb Hall has been temporarily closed for safety reasons. Recovery work is ongoing across the Noto region. Travelers planning a visit are strongly encouraged to check the latest information from Nakanoto Town's Tourism Association or the Hot Ishikawa Tabinetto official site before making the trip.