Takamatsuzuka Tumulus

This 7th-century burial mound in Asuka holds some of Japan's most important ancient wall paintings. The tomb's interior chamber was decorated with vivid murals depicting court women in flowing robes, celestial guardians, and constellations on the ceiling. Discovered in 1972, the paintings caused a national sensation and fundamentally changed understanding of Asuka-period artistic culture. The original murals are now in a climate-controlled facility for preservation, but a detailed replica chamber nearby lets you see the colors and composition up close. The surrounding parkland includes other ancient tombs from the same era, and the area is easily explored on foot or by rented bicycle.