The Historic O-u Plain and the Izumo Province Fudoki
The area around Yakumo Tatsufudoki-no-oka is closely associated with the Izumo Province Fudoki, an ancient record compiled during the Nara period in the 8th century. It is also connected with the famous Japanese creation myth known as the Kunibiki Myth.
In ancient times, the O-u area served as an important political, economic, and cultural center of Izumo. Numerous archaeological sites can still be found here, including the ruins of the Izumo Provincial Government Office, Izumo Provincial Temple, Yamashiro-go Granary, and Kitashinzoin Temple.
The ancient grid-like land divisions based on the jori system have also survived in parts of the area. These remains provide valuable clues about how the landscape and settlements of ancient Japan were organized.
The region is also home to several large burial mounds from the Kofun period, before the Nara period. Among them are Yamashiro Futagozuka Kofun and Oba Nitsuka Kofun, which demonstrate the considerable power and influence of local rulers in ancient Izumo.
Yakumo Tatsufudoki-no-oka Museum
The main facility of the park is the Yakumo Tatsufudoki-no-oka Museum, located on elevated ground overlooking the O-u Plain. The building was designed with the shape of a keyhole-shaped burial mound in mind, and an observation deck on the roof offers views of the surrounding archaeological sites.
A Detailed Model of the O-u Plain in the Nara Period
One of the museum’s highlights is a highly detailed model showing what the O-u Plain looked like during the Nara period. Built at a scale of 1:1,000, the model covers an area approximately 4.8 km from east to west and 3.5 km from north to south.
Based on archaeological discoveries, the model recreates the ancient landscape, including the provincial government office, granaries, temples, post stations, the San’in Road, and burial mounds. It provides a fascinating visual introduction to the structure of an ancient Japanese provincial city.
The National Important Cultural Property “Deer Looking Back” Haniwa
Among the museum’s most famous exhibits is the “Deer Looking Back” haniwa, a clay figure excavated from the Hira-sho archaeological site. The deer is depicted turning its head as if looking behind it, giving the figure a particularly lively and expressive appearance.
The museum also displays many other examples of haniwa, including figures shaped like houses, horses, and people. Together, these artifacts provide an insight into the distinctive haniwa culture that developed in the Izumo region.
The Sword Inscribed with the Name “Nukatabe no Omi”
Another important artifact is a sword bearing an inscription referring to Nukatabe no Omi, which was excavated from Okadayama No. 1 Kofun. It has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
The sword is an important historical source for understanding the relationship between powerful figures in ancient Izumo and the Yamato political authority during the late 6th century. It also offers valuable evidence about the political position of the Izumo region in ancient Japan.
Guidance Center Yamashiro-no-sato
Located next to the museum, Guidance Center Yamashiro-no-sato introduces the history of Yamashiro Futagozuka Kofun and the surrounding area in an easy-to-understand way.
Yamashiro Futagozuka Kofun
Yamashiro Futagozuka Kofun is approximately 94 meters long and is one of the largest burial mounds in Shimane Prefecture. It is also historically significant as the first burial mound to be given the name “keyhole-shaped burial mound” in Japan.
A small theater at the center uses quizzes and visual presentations to explain the characteristics of the burial mound and why it was built. It is an enjoyable way for visitors of all ages to learn about the ancient Kofun period.
Full-Scale Reconstruction of a Stone Burial Chamber
A full-scale reconstruction of the stone burial chamber from Mukoyama No. 1 Kofun can also be explored at the site. The original chamber was constructed from the late 6th to early 7th century and features a distinctive design made from carefully cut stones.
Visitors can enter the reconstructed chamber and observe its structure at close range. The design provides an excellent example of the unique burial culture that developed in eastern Izumo.
Outdoor Exhibits and Hands-On Activities
The park includes reconstructed pit dwellings and raised-floor buildings, allowing visitors to imagine what everyday life may have been like in ancient Japan.
The Fudoki Botanical Garden features plants mentioned in the Izumo Province Fudoki. Walking through the garden offers an opportunity to learn about the natural environment of the Izumo region more than 1,000 years ago.
The park also offers hands-on activities such as making magatama beads and starting a fire using traditional methods. These activities make the ancient culture of Izumo accessible and enjoyable for both children and adults.
Free rental bicycles are also available, making it convenient to explore the burial mounds and archaeological sites scattered around the surrounding area.
A Rich Collection of Cultural Properties
The museum houses and displays numerous cultural properties designated by the national government, Shimane Prefecture, and Matsue City. The collection covers a wide range of periods and includes valuable artifacts such as Kumano bronze bells, finely shaped bronze swords, and the Yaegaki Documents.
These collections reveal the long and fascinating history of the Izumo region and help visitors understand how its culture developed from ancient times onward.
How to Get There
From JR Matsue Station, take an Ichibata Bus bound for Yakumo. The journey takes approximately 18 minutes. Get off at Fudoki-no-oka Iriguchi bus stop, followed by a walk of about three minutes.
A taxi from JR Matsue Station takes approximately 15 minutes. Visitors can also use the Gurutto Bus Navi Matsue bus location system to check local bus information.
Experience the Ancient Spirit of Izumo
Yakumo Tatsufudoki-no-oka is much more than a traditional museum. It is a place where visitors can experience the history, culture, archaeological heritage, and landscapes of ancient Izumo in one location.
Walking through the archaeological sites scattered across the O-u Plain offers a unique opportunity to imagine the lives of people who lived here more than 1,300 years ago. The museum’s detailed exhibits and outdoor facilities make the history easier to understand, while the surrounding landscape provides a sense of connection with the ancient world.
Whether you are interested in Japanese history and archaeology, traveling with children, or simply looking for a deeper cultural experience in Matsue, Yakumo Tatsufudoki-no-oka offers an engaging introduction to the fascinating history of ancient Izumo.