The mausoleum of the 17th Emperor Junnin lies on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, far from Nara City, the then capitol of Japan.

Enthroned as the 17th emperor in the mid-8th century, Emperor Junnin ruled Japan for six years.  But, a fierce battle between he and his predecessor Empress Koken took place in his reign in that she stuck to the political power as a former empress even after the abdication.  She finally ascended the throne again then exiled him to Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture.

Awaji Island is located 130km west of Nara, the then capital.

Emperor Junnin was erased from the history book of Japan’s Imperial Family.

He tried in vain to escape from the island and was killed there at the age of 33. 

This unprecedented event was hidden for long time but was brought to light when Japan’s modernization started in the second half of the 19th century.  His mausoleum, the so-called Kofun, has been left as it was in the island for over 1,200years, however, the present imperial authorities put it in good condition as shown in the photo. 

http://tour-guide-japan.jp/