With so many wonderful places to visit in Japan, the fact that there are a few that do not allow visitors is hardly an issue for tourists or even locals. And yet for many, the abundance of accessible possibilities does nothing to quench the allure of the forbidden.
Of course, attempting to actually access the truly forbidden will only result in undesirable consequences. But some of Japan’s “forbidden” places can still be partially accessed, and there are many opportunities to learn about them outside of being in the forbidden area.
So here are five places in Japan that prohibit visitors for one reason or another, and how you can still enjoy them.
1. Daisen-ryo Kofun (Tomb of Emperor Nintoku)
The tomb of Emperor Nintoku is one of the Mozu Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sakai, Osaka. It is the largest tomb by area in the world, so it seems like an excellent day trip from the city. Yet many visitors find their visit disappointing. No one is allowed to enter the tomb complex, which is surrounded by a moat surrounded by a gate. The fact is that no one has been to the inner moat since 1872, and the main part of the tomb has supposedly not been accessed in about 1,000 years. So we cannot know for certain that this tomb is in fact the final resting place of this legendary 4th-century emperor.
Despite all this secrecy, the tomb can still be turned into an enjoyable trip. There is a 2.8-kilometer path that encircles the tomb complex, making for a peaceful walk that takes about an hour. Much of the path is surrounded by lush greenery, and signs provide visitors with information about the tombs, their history, and ancient Japanese burial practices. There is also a beautiful Japanese garden at Daisen Park across the street from the tomb and a small museum and gift shop by the tomb’s main viewpoint.
1079-1 Daisencho, Sakai Ward, Sakai, Osaka - Map
2. Okinoshima
Another of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the Sacred Island of Okinoshima, which sounds like a wonderful place to visit until you find out virtually everyone is prohibited from setting foot on the island. Okinoshima, which is about 60 kilometers off the coast of Fukuoka, is home to the most important of the Munakata Shrines, and the entire island is considered a kami, or Shinto god. Women are not allowed on the island at all, and the only men allowed are around two dozen Shinto priests who take turns staying on the island in 10-day intervals as its lone inhabitant and protector.
However, Okinoshima is part of a larger site that includes two more shrines that are open to the public. Nakatsu Shrine is on Oshima Island just off the coast of Kyushu, and Hetsu Shrine is located in Munakata City on mainland Kyushu. On the grounds of Hetsu Shrine is the Shinpokan Museum, which houses thousands of ancient artifacts found on Okinoshima. Additionally, you can catch a glimpse of the forbidden island from Oshima and the coast of Kyushu when visibility is good.
Oshima, Munakata, Fukuoka - Map
3. Main Sanctuary of Ise Grand Shrine
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7 Comments
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falseflagsteve
That Sakai one is alright or giggle. Been a few time with me missus, pop done on Nankai one, 20 minutes away. They have rental Bre place there, there, think a few hundred Yen an hour, electric too, blimey can you believe it?
About a mile away is a very queer wedding place done up like a church. Decent retro cafe there with some old boy running it. Missus had a lovely parfait and I had a tuna toasted sarnie, need the protein you see, lol
Moonraker
Japanese seem like they don’t have to know what is inside. The exterior is enough.
Kniknaknokkaer
Even if there still is anything in the ancient royal tombs, the government enacted a law denying any access for research/testing purposes even, as the results would make Japanese nationalists heads explode and Koreans roll on the floor laughing.
wanderlust
Ise Grand shrines are disappointing, no photo signs every where and high fences and walls, but at the outer shrine is a great museum showing how everything is built, with real examples. Well worth the trip.
Sengukan Museum - 式年遷宮記念せんぐう館
3RENSHO
If only Kyoto would prohibit visitors...
Chico3
I can speak from experience regarding the Mozu Tombs, you can ride a bike around the areas to experience them up close. If you want to see them from above, I would reccommend going to the Sakai City Hall to the top floor. There is no admission, and you enjoy the views, along with the surrounding Sakai area. On a great and clear day, you can see as far as Kansai Airport, near Rinku Town. Not to mention around this time, there's air conditioning, too.
hivans
I visited the keyhole tombs at Sakai once, and I think the previous poster's biking and city hall tips were spot on. The musuem near the Nintoku tomb also has a really good VR experience, where you get a simulation of floating over the tomb as it would have looked 1600 years ago. I felt it really added something to my visit. The volunteer guides at the tomb entrance were a great fount of information too, not least because the day I went two of them started keenly debating whether Nintoku should be regarded as a historical personage or not. Very interesting to listen to.