Discover Mima: Kofun tombs, park and hang gliding

Mima offers several reasons to plan a trip: archaeological remains from the Kofun period, sports and nature facilities at Mima Riverside Park, and a hang-gliding site on Mount Mitsuyama. Each theme offers a different focus. If you’re considering whether Mima suits your travel interests, you can weigh up its historic sites and outdoor activities.

The Kofun period: burial mounds and an exceptional burial chamber

The burial chamber of the Taikozuka Kofun is one of the largest stone-structure chambers in Shikoku. It is 13.1 metres long, 4.3 metres high and 3.4 metres wide, and has a distinctive domed shape. Its length, height and width give the chamber a clear and unusual profile. Visitors interested in archaeological sites will find a tangible example here that illustrates the dimensions of a stone burial chamber.

Another glimpse of the Kofun period can be found at Dan no Tsukaana in Mima-chō. Two burial mounds stand there, built about 1,400 years ago and dating to the late Kofun period. The approximate date is deliberately given as an estimate. Together with the Taikozuka Kofun, Dan no Tsukaana provides a second historic reference point: here, the focus is on two burial mounds, while the Taikozuka Kofun stands out for its large, domed stone burial chamber.

Shrine tradition and local history

The Shigeshi Hachiman Shrine is also connected with the history of a castle. Its founding date is unknown. According to tradition, Ogasawara Bungo-no-kami, lord of Shigeshi Castle, had a branch of the divine spirit summoned from Iwashimizu Hachimangū in Kyoto. He venerated the shrine as the castle’s protective sanctuary. This traditional account gives the site a different historical connection from the Kofun sites: the focus is on a castle, its lord and its connection to a sanctuary in Kyoto.

Active pursuits at Mima Riverside Park

Mima Riverside Park has a multipurpose field, a park golf course, tennis courts and a nature park. If you’d rather combine your trip with sports or nature, the park offers a distinct point of reference when deciding whether to visit Mima. Its facilities differ markedly from the historic sites, making it a possible focus for a different kind of trip.

For hang gliding, there is the Mima Sky Sports Site. It descends from the summit of Mount Mitsuyama towards the Yoshino River and is used for hang gliding. This is a particularly specific reason to visit for travellers interested in the sport.

Which travel focus suits you?

If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Mima, these themes can help you decide whether the destination suits your plans. For those interested in cultural history, the Kofun sites and the traditional history of Shigeshi Hachiman Shrine are the main attractions. Those looking to focus on sports and nature can explore what Mima Riverside Park has to offer; for hang gliding, the Mima Sky Sports Site provides a distinct point of interest. First, consider which of these interests you want to shape your trip. This way, you can compare not just different sights, but also different ways to spend time in Mima.

More destinations: Tokushima, Naruto, Miyoshi, Anan, Kaiyo, Toyooka, Naka and Matsushige.

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