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All Japan Tokyo Suribachiyama Tumulus
AO Edited

Suribachiyama Tumulus

Unbeknownst to many, an ancient burial mound hides in plain sight in Ueno Park.

Tokyo, Japan

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Fred Cherrygarden
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Take a break on top of the tumulus.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
“Old Tomb on Mt. Suribachi.”   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Suribachiyama Burial Mound.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Steps leading to the hilltop.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
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Home to numerous museums, temples, and the oldest zoo in Japan, Ueno Park reigns supreme as one of Tokyo’s top tourist attractions. Most likely, any visitor to the city finds themselves walking in this park sooner or later, at least once during their trip.

Once part of the huge temple complex of Kan’ei-ji, the park itself boasts plenty of interesting landmarks, from an abandoned train station to the face-only Great Buddha. There is another unusual attraction hiding in plain sight, where most visitors simply walk past unaware of its existence.

The Suribachiyama tumulus, also referred to as the “Old Tomb on Mount Suribachi” in the description on its historical marker, sits inconspicuously along the paths in Ueno Park leading up to the zoo and the museums. Were it not for the sign, it could easily be mistaken for a regular hill, complete with simple benches on top.

It is, however, a legitimate archaeological site, estimated to be around 1,500 years old. Having been severely damaged throughout its history, no excavation has officially taken place here, leaving it a bit of a mystery. It is apparent, though, that it is a keyhole-type burial mound typical of the Kofun period of Japan, and a handful of pottery sherds have been found at the site.

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History & Culture Mounds Burial Places Tombs Parks
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Added By

Fred Cherrygarden

Published

October 2, 2023

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Suribachiyama Tumulus
Taito City
Tokyo, 110-0007
Japan
35.71384, 139.774013
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