Tomb of Prince Asaka

In short

The tomb of Prince Asaka, an imperial prince of the Nara period, on a small hill. The Imperial Household Agency has designated this site as Prince Asaka's tomb. Prince Asaka, a son of Emperor Shomu, died in 744 at the age of 17. It is said that the prince enjoyed hunting in Wazuka and often visited this area when traveling back and forth between the capital and his father's palace.

• ​Elegies by Otomo no Yakamochi​​: The poet Otomo no Yakamochi, who served the prince, left several poems mourning his death. A poem in Volume 3 of the Man'yoshu mentions Wazuka Somayama, an old name for Wazuka
• ​The burial mound of a high-ranking person​​: In the late 19th century, when the land was dug up, flat stones, stone walls, and fragments of earthenware were found. Although it has not been fully excavated, it is known to be a burial mound of a person of high status
• ​The view from the hill​​: You can walk all the way around the top, and the view from the tomb is introduced as a superb view in Kyoto Prefecture's tourist information, too

History and Highlights

The ​Tomb of Prince Asaka​ is the grave of Prince Asaka, an imperial prince of the Nara period, located atop a small hill. The Imperial Household Agency has designated this site as Prince Asaka's tomb, and locals also refer to the hill as "Taikoyama."

Prince Asaka was a son of Emperor Shomu and Agata no Inukai no Hirotoji. He was born in the 5th year of Jinki (728). In the leap month of the 1st month of the 16th year of Tenpyo (744), he accompanied the Emperor's imperial progress from Kuni-kyo to Naniwa, but returned to Kuni-kyo midway due to a leg ailment and passed away at the age of 17. There is also a view suspecting assassination behind his sudden death.

It is said that the prince enjoyed hunting in Wazuka and frequently visited this area when traveling back and forth between the capital and his father's palace. After his death, a tomb was constructed in Wazuka, and a temple was also built to pray for his repose.

Highlights for Viewing and Experiencing

• ​Elegies by Otomo no Yakamochi​​: The poet Otomo no Yakamochi, who served the prince, composed several poems mourning his death. In Volume 3 of the Man'yoshu, his poem—"waga okimi ame shirasamu to omowaneba oni zo mikeru Wazuka Somayama"—includes an ancient name for Wazuka.
• ​Tomb Designated by the Imperial Household Agency​​: In the late 19th century, when residents of Nakawazuka excavated the land to create fields, flat stones, stone walls, and earthenware shards were uncovered. Although it has not been fully excavated, it is known to be a burial mound (kofun) of a high-ranking person. The Imperial Household Agency erected a small stone torii gate, a fence, and an information board at the top of the hill.
• ​View from the Hilltop​​: Visitors can walk completely around the summit, which offers good views and pleasant breezes. The view from the tomb is also introduced as a superb scenic view in Kyoto Prefecture's tourist information.

Walking Tips

It is about a 5-minute walk from the Wazuka Yama-no-Ie bus stop. Turn right at the large intersection, turn right again at the first corner, and follow the signs along the stone-paved path running through the fields. For those arriving by car, the parking lot of the Wazuka Tea Cafe is available. The "Man'yo Historical Route" introduced by Kyoto Prefecture is a walking course that takes about two and a half hours, visiting the Wazuka Tea Cafe, Tomb of Prince Asaka, Shobo-ji Temple, Wazuka Tenmangu Shrine, and other sites. Because the tea fields are private property, please refrain from entering them.