A tumulus built between the end of the 7th century and the beginning of the 8th century. It is an ancient tomb with richly colored murals. The ceiling of the stone chamber made of tuff is decorated with authentic astronomical maps, and the walls are painted with statues of the four divine beasts that protect the four directions, as well as statues of the 12 animal-headed-human zodiac. Astronomical maps are the origin of astronomy in Japan, and these are the oldest existing authentic astronomical maps in East Asia. The animal-headed-human zodiac statues are influenced by the culture of the Korean Peninsula. There are several ancient tombs in Japan with decorative murals, but the intricate and richly colored murals can only be seen at the Kitora tumulus and the Takamatsuzuka tumulus.

Takamatsuzuka tomb. At the attached Kitora Tumulus Mural Experience Center, you can experience the worldview behind the murals.

The original murals, designated as the national treasure, are specially exhibited four times a year.