Haniwa Excavated from Takarazuka Tomb No. 1, Mie Prefecture

Haniwa from Takarazuka Tumulus No. 1: A National Treasure of Ancient Japan

In the city of Matsusaka, Mie Prefecture, an extraordinary collection of 1,600-year-old clay figures offers a rare and vivid glimpse into the spiritual world of ancient Japan. The haniwa excavated from Takarazuka Tumulus No. 1 — designated a National Treasure in August 2024 — include the largest boat-shaped haniwa ever discovered in Japan, along with house-shaped, enclosure-shaped, and cylindrical haniwa that together tell the story of an ancient king's funeral rites. Totaling 278 pieces, this remarkable assemblage is now preserved and displayed at the Matsusaka City Cultural Properties Center, known affectionately as the "Haniwa Museum."

What Are Haniwa?

Haniwa are unglazed clay sculptures that were produced during Japan's Kofun period (roughly 3rd to 6th century CE) and placed in and around burial mounds — the tombs of kings and powerful rulers. Early haniwa were simple cylindrical shapes, but over time artisans developed an astonishing variety of forms: human figures, animals, houses, weapons, boats, and ritual objects. These clay figures served ceremonial and spiritual purposes, believed to protect the deceased and mark the sacred boundaries of the tomb. The haniwa from Takarazuka Tumulus No. 1 represent some of the finest and most diverse examples of this ancient art form.

Takarazuka Tumulus No. 1: The Largest Kofun in the Ise Region

Takarazuka Tumulus No. 1 is a keyhole-shaped burial mound (zenpō-kōen-fun) measuring 111 meters in total length, making it the largest kofun in the entire Ise region. Built in the early 5th century CE, it is believed to be the tomb of a powerful regional ruler who governed this part of ancient Japan under the authority of the Yamato royal court. The tumulus was first surveyed in the early Showa period and designated a National Historic Site in 1932, along with the adjacent Takarazuka Tumulus No. 2.

A key architectural feature of this tomb is the "tsukuridashi" — a stage-like platform extending from the northern side of the mound, connected by an earthen bridge. This was the ceremonial space where funeral rituals were performed, and it is precisely here that the most remarkable haniwa were discovered during excavations conducted by the Matsusaka City Board of Education between 1999 and 2002. The haniwa were found remarkably well-preserved, many still in their original positions from 1,600 years ago.

The Boat-Shaped Haniwa: Japan's Largest and Most Ornate

The centerpiece of the collection is the magnificent boat-shaped haniwa (funagata haniwa). At 140 cm in length and 94 cm in height (including its cylindrical base), it is the largest boat-shaped haniwa ever found in Japan. Approximately 90% of the original form survives — an exceptionally rare state of preservation for an artifact of this age.

What makes this haniwa truly unique is its elaborate three-dimensional decoration. The bow and stern rise dramatically upward in a bold, imposing silhouette, adorned with fin-shaped ornaments (hire-kazari). On the deck stand a ceremonial parasol called "kinugasa," two authority staffs known as "ijō," and a large sword (tachi) — all symbols of royal power and prestige. While depictions of decorated ships were previously known only from line drawings on cylindrical haniwa and descriptions in ancient texts like the Nihon Shoki, this was the first time such a ship had been rendered in three-dimensional sculptural form.

The boat itself represents a "semi-structural ship" (junkōzōsen), a type of vessel used in the Kofun period that combined a dugout canoe base with added side planks for ocean voyaging. Scholars have proposed two interpretations: the ship may symbolize the achievements of the buried ruler during his lifetime, or it may represent a "funeral ship" (sōsōsen) that carried the king's soul to the afterlife. The haniwa was found with its bow pointing toward the tumulus, as if it had just completed its voyage to the burial site.

Enclosure and House-Shaped Haniwa: Ritual Water Ceremonies

Alongside the boat-shaped haniwa, three enclosure-shaped haniwa (kakoi-gata) and four house-shaped haniwa (ie-gata) form another remarkable group. These pieces were found in pairs — each enclosure paired with a house — arranged along the eastern and western edges of the ceremonial platform.

One of the house-shaped haniwa features a trough and channel on its floor, interpreted as a representation of a water purification facility that drew water from a valley. Two others contain well-like structures inside, thought to represent spring-water drawing facilities. Together, these haniwa are believed to depict a ritual site surrounded by fence-like barriers, recreating a sacred space where water purification ceremonies took place. This is an unparalleled archaeological example of the water-related rituals practiced across Japan during the Kofun period.

Why Was This Collection Designated a National Treasure?

The haniwa from Takarazuka Tumulus No. 1 were first collectively designated as Important Cultural Properties in 2006. In 2024, eight key pieces — the boat-shaped haniwa, three enclosure-shaped haniwa, and four house-shaped haniwa — were elevated to National Treasure status, with the remaining 270 pieces (including haniwa fragments, pottery, and clay objects) added as supplementary items.

The designation recognized several exceptional qualities. The collection displays outstanding artistry, realism, and decorative sophistication. The boat-shaped haniwa in particular combines faithful representation of actual ship construction with powerful sculptural expression. As a group, the haniwa concretely illustrate the funeral rituals and ceremonial practices of Kofun-period rulers, including water purification rites that have no other parallel in the archaeological record. The remarkably complete state of the original arrangement — with many haniwa found in their positions from 1,600 years ago — provides invaluable evidence for understanding how these ceremonies were organized.

Visiting the Haniwa Museum (Matsusaka City Cultural Properties Center)

The National Treasure haniwa are displayed at the Matsusaka City Cultural Properties Center, commonly known as "Haniwakan" (the Haniwa Museum). The museum is housed partly in a beautifully restored red-brick warehouse dating from 1923, originally part of the Kanebo Cotton Thread Matsusaka Factory — itself a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. The atmospheric setting adds a layer of historical charm to the visit.

Upon entering the exhibition hall, visitors are immediately greeted by the imposing boat-shaped haniwa, presented with dramatic lighting and audio guidance that bring the artifact to life. The museum displays a wide range of haniwa types, from the house and enclosure forms to cylindrical haniwa, shield-shaped pieces, and armor-shaped examples. Explanatory panels and multimedia presentations make the exhibition accessible even for visitors without prior knowledge of the Kofun period. With an admission fee of just 110 yen for adults and free entry for those under 18, this is one of Japan's most affordable opportunities to view a National Treasure.

Takarazuka Kofun Park

After visiting the museum, a trip to Takarazuka Kofun Park is highly recommended. Opened in 2005 and located about a 20-minute taxi ride from Matsusaka Station, the park preserves the actual burial mounds in a beautifully maintained setting. Replica haniwa have been placed around the tumulus to recreate the original arrangement, allowing visitors to imagine how the site looked 1,600 years ago. Walking along the paths around the mounds, you can appreciate the impressive scale of the 111-meter keyhole-shaped tumulus and contemplate the power of the ancient ruler buried within. The park offers panoramic views of the surrounding Matsusaka cityscape and even the distant Matsusaka Castle ruins.

Nearby Attractions in Matsusaka

Matsusaka is a city rich in history and culture, offering many attractions that complement a visit to the Haniwa Museum. Here are some highlights within easy reach:

• Matsusaka Castle Ruins (Matsusaka Park): Built in 1588 by the feudal lord Gamō Ujisato, this castle is famed for its magnificent stone walls constructed by master stonemasons. Listed among Japan's Top 100 Castles, it offers lovely seasonal views of cherry blossoms, wisteria, and autumn foliage. About a 15-minute walk from Matsusaka Station.
• Gojōban Yashiki (Samurai Residences): Japan's largest surviving group of Edo-period samurai residences, where descendants of the original samurai guards still live today. The stone-paved path lined with hedges creates a beautifully photogenic scene.
• Motoori Norinaga Memorial Museum: Dedicated to the celebrated 18th-century scholar of Japanese classics, this museum houses over 16,000 items including manuscripts of his masterwork "Kojiki-den." Adjacent to the museum stands his former residence, the "Suzu-no-ya."
• Matsusaka Beef: No visit to Matsusaka is complete without sampling the world-famous Matsusaka beef, one of Japan's top three wagyu brands, renowned for its exquisite marbling and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Suzunomori Park: Adjacent to the Cultural Properties Center, this park features fountains, playground equipment, and spacious lawns — perfect for families traveling with children.