Ōmuro Kofun group

Ōmuro Kofun group is an archaeological site containing roughly 500 burial mounds situated in two valleys south of the Chikuma River. The mounds are spread across elevations between 350 and 500 meters (1,150 and 1,640 feet) and consist primarily of stacked river stones.

These burial mounds were constructed between the 5th and 8th centuries, reflecting the burial traditions of that era. Among the circular structures, one keyhole-shaped mound stands out as likely belonging to a high-ranking individual.

This burial ground served as a major cemetery for local leaders during the Kofun period. Visitors can observe how people used the landscape to honor their dead and the importance they placed on these burial practices.

The site is easily accessible by car and features an on-site museum displaying artifacts from excavations. The location sits approximately 15 minutes by car from Nagano IC on the expressway, making a visit straightforward to plan.

This site holds Japan's largest concentration of circular-shaped burial mounds, typically measuring around 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter. Excavations uncovered Sue ware pottery, bronze mirrors, weapons, and horse equipment that reveal the wealth of the buried elite.

Location: Nagano

GPS coordinates: 36.58972,138.23083

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03