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 at a Glance#
Address: Near Toyokuni Shrine, Kyoto city (Sanjusangen-dori area), Kyoto Prefecture
Hours: Always accessible (outdoor site)
Admission: Free (public monument)
About Mimizuka#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 9° | 3° | 68 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.0h |
| February | Acceptable | 1° - 9° | 3° | 76 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 13° | 7° | 111 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 9° - 19° | 14° | 145 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.9h |
| May | Good | 13° - 24° | 19° | 152 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.8 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.8h |
| June | Good | 18° - 27° | 23° | 240 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.2 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 27° | 227 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.1h |
| August | Good | 23° - 32° | 33° | 155 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.3h |
| September | Good | 19° - 28° | 24° | 200 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 13° - 22° | 18° | 120 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Good | 7° - 17° | 12° | 78 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.1 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.2h |
| December | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 6° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
