Nagomi Town: An Ancient Village of the Kikuchi River Basin Where a National Treasure Iron Sword Was Excavated

Nagomi Town in Tamana District, Kumamoto Prefecture, is an idyllic farming area in the middle reaches of the Kikuchi River. It is known for the excavation of a precious National Treasure iron sword from Etafunayama Kofun, its signature historic site, drawing attention as a place of great importance in ancient history. It is a village full of hidden charm where you can enjoy the romance of antiquity and the rural scenery unique to the Kikuchi River basin.

Etafunayama Kofun, Where a National Treasure Iron Sword Was Excavated

The signature historic site of Nagomi Town is Etafunayama Kofun, a keyhole shaped burial mound thought to have been built from the late 5th to early 6th century. The mound is about 62 meters long. An iron sword unearthed in excavations from 1873 onward bears an inscription of 75 characters in silver inlay, and as an extremely important material for understanding ancient Japanese history, the excavated items were designated a National Treasure in 1965. Together with an iron sword from Inariyama Kofun in Saitama Prefecture, this inscription is a valuable clue to the relationship between the Yamato government and the provinces of that era. The area around the mound is developed as a history park, where you can enjoy a walk while reflecting on antiquity.

A History Park That Conveys Ancient Life

Nagomi Town has facilities where you can touch the romance of antiquity. A facility exhibiting excavated items and related materials from Etafunayama Kofun lets you learn about the relationship between ancient Kyushu and the Yamato government. Nearby is Higo Minkamura, a village of old houses relocated and restored from various parts of Kumamoto Prefecture, where amid the nostalgic scenery of thatched roof homes you can experience traditional life. It is a valuable place of learning where families can experience history.

Access and Basic Information

The nearest gateway to Nagomi Town is JR Kagoshima Main Line Tamana Station, from which bus or car is convenient. It is relatively close to interchanges on the Kyushu Expressway, making it easy to visit by drive. Since historic sites and facilities are scattered, touring by car is recommended. Take your time among the idyllic fields along the Kikuchi River.

Practical Travel Notes

The history park and museum have set opening days and hours, so checking before your visit is reassuring. The Kikuchi River is also known for ayu fishing, with cherry blossoms along the river in spring and waterside scenery in summer. Nearby hot spring facilities let you rest after touring the sites. The Tamana area around Nagomi Town also has Tabaruzaka, known as a fierce battlefield of the Seinan War, so you can enjoy history walks together.

One Piece of Advice

The pleasant fresh greenery of spring and the foliage of autumn are best for touring historic sites and countryside. Actually viewing the National Treasure iron sword, in reproduction, brings the romance of ancient history closer. In comfortable clothing and shoes, take your time exploring the mounds and history park.

📚 Sources

This article was edited as general sightseeing information based on the tourism information issued by Nagomi Town and the local tourism association, public explanations of the Eta Funayama Tomb, which yielded the national-treasure iron sword, and the Higo Folk House Village, and public information on the historic sites along the Kikuchi River. The opening days and hours of the history park and museum may change. Before you set out, please confirm the latest details through official sources such as Nagomi Town.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About half a day touring the Eta Funayama Tomb, the facility exhibiting its finds, and the Higo Folk House Village
• What to bring: Since the historic sites and facilities are spread out, touring by car is convenient, and wear comfortable shoes for strolling the history park
• Check opening: The history park and museum have set opening days and hours, so check before your visit
• Suggested route: Stroll the Eta Funayama Tomb history park, learn about the relationship between ancient Kyushu and the Yamato court at the facility exhibiting the finds, then head to the Higo Folk House Village lined with thatched-roof houses
• Combine your visit: Pairing it with Tabaruzaka in the Tamana area makes for a fuller historical outing