Saitobaru西都原

A scattering of 'kofun,' burial mounds from the 4th to 7th centuries. A torch parade and fire festival occur.

Saito, located in the central part of Miyazaki, was the center of the Hyuga-no-kuni province, now Miyazaki Prefecture, from ancient times until the Middle Ages. In the western part of the city is Saitobaru Kofun-gun, or the burial mounds area, where more than 300 kofun are scattered, forming one of the largest group of kofun in Japan. There are also other historical sites such as the remains of Hyuga Kokubun-ji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Miyazaki, and Tsuma-jinja Shrine.

Saitobaru Kofun-gun was constructed between the 4th and 7th centuries. It is unique for the variety of shapes, including round, keyhole, and rectangular, among many others, and was designated a National Historical Site in 1952. The Kofun-matsuri Festival is held every fall. A torch parade and fire festival take place around a group of kofun, and visitors are welcome to join the festival.

Walking paths have been set out among the kofun and the fields where cherry blossoms, azalea, hagi (Japanese bush clover) and seasonal flowers greet people. It is a very popular place for those who love the flowers of the season.