Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun, Imperial burial mound in Nishi-ku, Japan.
Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Nishi-ku and stands among the largest ancient tombs in Japan. The structure is surrounded by a moat and displays the skilled engineering techniques used in ancient burial construction.
The mound was built in the 5th century as the burial place of Emperor Richuu, the 17th emperor of Japan. As the son of Emperor Nintoku, he lived during a significant period in the imperial line.
The burial mound is part of a collection of ancient tombs that reveals how Japan's ruling class practiced their funeral customs between the 5th and 6th centuries. The way these structures were built and arranged shows the importance rulers placed on honoring their dead.
The site is easily reached by public transport, with a station conveniently located near the surrounding park area. Walking paths allow visitors to view the mound from different vantage points and appreciate its full scale.
The site is part of a UNESCO-recognized group of burial mounds that ranks among Asia's most important archaeological sites. This international recognition highlights how ancient Japanese burial traditions shaped the region's cultural heritage.
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