Historic sites in Shimane

Shimane Prefecture has 20 heritage sites, including the Ishiya Kofun and Izumo-taisha Precinct Site. These sites offer a look into ancient Japanese history.

Not sure where to start? Read our guide to the 20 best

Ishiya Kofun

Ishiya Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 5th-century square tomb mound with unique haniwa, including Japan's oldest sumo wrestl...

Ageshima Kofun

Ageshima Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 6th-century burial mound, a National Historic Site with unique burial facilities and a...

Yamashiro hōfun

Yamashiro hōfun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 7th-century chief's tomb, a unique square burial mound with a surrounding moat.

Kunidomi-Nakamura Kofun

Kunidomi-Nakamura Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a rare, unlooted 7th-century burial mound with fascinating ancient artifacts.

Sukumozuka Kofun

Sukumozuka Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore Shimane's largest keyhole-shaped burial mound, a significant 5th-century tomb.

Izumo-taisha Precinct Site

Izumo-taisha Precinct Site

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore the archaeological site of an ancient shrine, revealing giant pillars and cultural treas...

Kamo-Iwakura Site

Kamo-Iwakura Site

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

See where 39 ancient bronze bells were found, the most at any site in Japan.

Yamashiro Futagozuka Kofun

Yamashiro Futagozuka Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large 6th-century keyhole-shaped burial mound, a National Historic Site with unique ha...

Okadayama Kofun

Okadayama Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore ancient burial mounds and artifacts, including a unique inscribed sword, at this histori...

Tamawakasu-mikoto Jinja Kofun Cluster

Tamawakasu-mikoto Jinja Kofun Cluster

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore ancient burial mounds, including a keyhole tomb, designated a historic site since 1972.

Kōjindani Site

Kōjindani Site

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Kōjindani Site: a National Historic Site with ancient bronze artifacts, offering a glimpse into...

Nishidani Tumulus Cluster

Nishidani Tumulus Cluster

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore ancient burial mounds from various periods at this significant historic site.

Takarazuka Kofun

Takarazuka Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a well-preserved ancient burial mound with a unique stone coffin, a National Historic Si...

Abedani Kofun

Abedani Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Abedani Kofun is a National Historic Site with 13 ancient horizontal tombs.

Ōbaniwatorizuka Tumulus

Ōbaniwatorizuka Tumulus

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Ancient 6th-century burial mound, a National Historic Site with unique shape and artifacts.

Arashima Kofun Cluster

Arashima Kofun Cluster

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore ancient burial mounds from the Yayoi and Kofun periods, a designated National Historic S...

Iwayaato Kofun

Iwayaato Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore an ancient burial mound with unique Izumo-style stone chambers and rare human haniwa.

Shiotsu Jinja Kofun

Shiotsu Jinja Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 6th-century burial mound in Shimane, featuring a unique Izumo-style stone coffin.

Asakumi Iwaya Kofun

Asakumi Iwaya Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore an early 6th-century burial mound with a unique stone chamber.

Mizuwakasu Jinja Kofun Cluster

Mizuwakasu Jinja Kofun Cluster

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore ancient burial mounds from the Kofun period, offering a glimpse into early Japanese hist...

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

This historic silver mine, a UNESCO site, supplied much of the world's silver.

Iwafune Kofun

Iwafune Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 7th-century burial mound with a unique stone chamber and remaining stone coffin.

Imaichi Dainenji Kofun

Imaichi Dainenji Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Largest keyhole-shaped tumulus in Izumo, a National Historic Site with a massive stone coffin.

Hei-jinja Kofun

Hei-jinja Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore the largest ancient burial mound in the Oki Islands, a keyhole-shaped tumulus from the 6...

Kamienya Tsukiyama Kofun

Kamienya Tsukiyama Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore this ancient circular burial mound with unique stone coffins, a designated National Hist...

Tangean Kofun

Tangean Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Tangean Kofun is a rare square-shaped burial mound from the 5th century.

Kamienya Jizōyama Kofun

Kamienya Jizōyama Kofun

SHIMANE · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 7th-century kofun, a National Historic Site, showcasing ancient burial architecture.

Historic sites elsewhere

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