Ippommatsu Kofun

Ippommatsu Kofun is an ancient burial mound located on the Gokiso campus grounds with a diameter of about 36 meters and standing roughly 8 meters tall. The structure shows signs of its original keyhole shape, a form common to burial mounds from this period.

Clay figurines and burial objects discovered during excavations suggest construction occurred in the late 5th century. This period marked important changes in Japanese society and funeral practices of that time.

The burial mound shows how ancient Japanese elites honored their dead and what objects they chose to include for the afterlife. The structure reflects beliefs about status, death, and the relationship between the living and the deceased.

The mound can be visited within the university campus, with informational panels near the library entrance providing details about its structure and origins. Plan your visit during daytime hours when the surroundings are most accessible and the site is clearly visible.

Student folklore holds that climbing the mound brings poor academic results, a superstition that keeps the site spiritually significant on campus. This local belief transforms the burial ground into more than just a historical remains.

GPS coordinates: 35.15757,136.92611

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22