Musashino Imperial Mausoleum of Emperor Showa

In short

Musashino no Misasagi is the mausoleum of Emperor Showa, the 124th Emperor of Japan. It is located inside the Musashi Imperial Graveyard, an imperial cemetery in Nagabusamachi, Hachioji City. Built in 1989, the year Emperor Showa passed away, it takes the shape of a joenkahofun (a tumulus with a round top on a square base), the same type of mound as the neighboring Tama no Misasagi of Emperor Taisho. The graveyard contains four imperial mausoleums: those of Emperor Taisho and Empress Teimei, and Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun.

• ​A joenkahofun mausoleum​​: Built with a circular upper tier atop a square lower tier, it stands 8.75 meters high. The round upper section is gentler in slope than that of Tama no Misasagi.
• ​Kitayama cedar approach​​: Kitayama cedars brought from Kyoto line both sides of the approximately 400-meter approach from the main gate to the mausoleum.
• ​Tama no Misasagi of Emperor Taisho​​: Musashino no Misasagi is located further to the east behind Tama no Misasagi, which shares the same shape.

History and Highlights

The ​Musashino Imperial Mausoleum of Emperor Showa​ is the tomb of Emperor Showa, the 124th Emperor of Japan. Emperor Showa reigned from 1926 to 1989, and passed away on January 7, 1989 (Showa 64). Musashino no Misasagi was constructed later that same year.

The Musashi Imperial Graveyard, where the mausoleum is located, is an imperial burial site in Nagabusamachi, Hachioji City. It covers an area of approximately 470,000 square meters. Its history began in 1927 when it was designated as the site for Emperor Taisho's mausoleum. This marked the very first time an emperor's mausoleum was established in Tokyo. Today, it contains four mausoleums: Tama no Misasagi of Emperor Taisho, Tama no Higashi no Misasagi of Empress Teimei, Musashino no Misasagi of Emperor Showa, and Musashino no Higashi no Misasagi of Empress Kojun.

The shape of Musashino no Misasagi is a joenkahofun. This refers to a two-tiered burial mound in which a circular top tier rests upon a square base tier. Originally a form of ancient kofun tumulus, examples can be found dating to the late 7th century. The neighboring Tama no Misasagi of Emperor Taisho is also a joenkahofun, consisting of three upper circular tiers and three lower square tiers. Musashino no Misasagi has a height of 8.75 meters, and its upper circular section is gentler in slope compared to Tama no Misasagi.

Viewing and Experiencing Highlights

• ​Kitayama cedar approach​​: An approach of about 400 meters stretches from the main gate of the graveyard to the mausoleum. Kitayama cedars brought from Kyoto line both sides, creating a solemn atmosphere.
• ​Mound of Musashino no Misasagi​​: Musashino no Misasagi is located further to the east of Tama no Misasagi. Compare its shape, featuring a gently rounded upper section, with that of Tama no Misasagi.
• ​Bonsai and garden trees at Tama no Misasagi​​: The surroundings of Emperor Taisho's Tama no Misasagi are encircled by bonsai and garden plantings that Emperor Taisho was said to have been fond of during his lifetime.

Tips for Exploring

It is about a 15-minute walk from the north exit of Takao Station on the Keio and JR lines. From the main gate of the graveyard, walk along the Kitayama cedar approach toward the mausoleum.

Visits are possible throughout the year, but may be suspended during ceremonies, severe weather, or similar circumstances. There are no specific rituals or etiquette required for paying respects. Offerings and monetary donations (saisen) are not accepted. The Tama Imperial Mausoleum Supervisory Office inside the graveyard has goryoin stamps available, which correspond to the goshuin stamps of shrines. Be sure to bring your own stamp book (goshuincho).

Approximately 640 meters to the south-southwest lies the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute Tama Forest Science Garden. Visiting both during your walk is also a great option.