Otsuka Kofun, Archaeological burial mound in Kansai region, Japan
Otsuka Kofun is a burial mound with a distinctive keyhole shape in the Kansai region, featuring a circular main section for the burial chamber and a trapezoidal area in front for ceremonial purposes. The mound rises visibly above the surrounding landscape.
The mound was built between the 3rd and 7th century as a burial place for imperial family members and ruling class elites. This construction demonstrates how powerful and organized society was at that time.
The name reflects the land's former ownership, though today visitors mainly experience the physical form and scale of the mound itself. This keyhole shape was a status symbol that other rulers in the region would replicate.
The site is surrounded by paths that allow visitors to walk around the exterior of the mound and experience different views. Visit during daylight to fully appreciate the shape and scale of the monument.
The mound was originally surrounded by multiple water-filled moats that controlled access and may have given the site a more defensive character. Thousands of clay figurines lined the terraces, creating the impression of guardians watching over the burial place.
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