Okinawa, Japan | Tamaudun, one of the nine major historical sites, is quiet and hard to find

On Okinawa, you can still see the "hafu tumuli" (Hafubaka) tombs, built exclusively for the nobility of the Ryukyu Dynasty. These tombs, characterized by arched stone structures and featuring a "hafu" (a ridge-like structure) at the entrance, are both solemn and unique.

These hafu tumuli are not only the burial places of royalty and nobles, but also cultural symbols. Inheriting the layout of Chinese mausoleums while incorporating local Ryukyu stonework techniques, they demonstrate the dynastic era's respect for ancestors and symbolize power. Today, they are designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serve as a crucial clue to future generations' understanding of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Approaching the hafu tumuli, you're enveloped by a profound atmosphere. The moss-covered stone walls and silent arched entrances feel like a gateway to the depths of history. Lacking ornate ornamentation, they exude the authentic spirit of the times—an atmosphere that embodies both splendor and impermanence.

Post by 諸文武 | Sep 27, 2025