Mimizuka
Tomb Controversial burial mound in Kyoto from 16th-century invasions
Large ear mound in Kyoto dating to the late 16th century, associated with the Japanese invasions of Korea; visitors encounter a controversial historical monument while touring the city.
Mimizuka is a small ear-and-nose burial mound in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, created in the late 16th century as a mass burial for body parts taken during Japan’s invasions of Korea (1592-1598).
The site is compact - a landscaped mound with memorial markers and inscriptions set within a small park. The mound itself is the primary focal point and can be viewed from paths that run around the site.
The mound dates to the period of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaigns in Korea and was constructed to inter body parts transported back to Japan as wartime trophies. It has remained a localized memorial since that time.
Situated in Kyoto’s eastern Higashiyama area, the mound lies within the city’s historic quarter and is accessible from central Kyoto by public transport and walking routes.
- Controversial history: Contains human remains taken during the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea, 1592-1598) and is a site of modern historical sensitivity between Japan and Korea.
How to Get to Mimizuka #
A 10-15 minute walk east from Kyoto Station or a short taxi ride from the Higashiyama district; the mound sits close to Toyokuni Shrine and is best reached on foot when exploring the eastern shrines and temples.
Tips for Visiting Mimizuka #
- Respect the solemn history: Mimizuka commemorates a violent episode related to the 16th-century invasions of Korea; approach with historical sensitivity.
- The mound is small and easy to miss-look for the tall stone marker and the plaque in Japanese.
- Combine with a visit to nearby Toyokuni Shrine and the Higashiyama district to place it in context.
Best Time to Visit Mimizuka #
Accessible year-round; quieter early mornings and late afternoons avoid the busier tourist windows in central Kyoto.
Weather & Climate near Mimizuka #
Mimizuka's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1626 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (240 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (227 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (200 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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