Iwayayama Kofun, Ancient burial site in Asuka, Japan
Iwayayama Kofun is a Japanese burial mound with a stone structure and circular earthen embankments typical of tombs from this period. The mound itself is constructed from earth and displays the basic forms that archaeological work has uncovered over time.
The burial mound was built in the 7th century and shows the shift between earlier tomb styles and later imperial burial architecture in Japan. This transition period marks the end of a long tradition of mound construction that had begun centuries before.
The burial mound is part of the vast Asuka complex where early Japanese rulers and their courts lived and were buried. Visitors can walk through the remains and sense how central this location was to the ruling powers of that time.
The site is easily accessible on foot and open for visitors to explore the original form of the mound. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and take time to walk around and observe all sides of the hill.
The mound lay hidden beneath vegetation for a long time and was only fully understood through systematic archaeological study. These discoveries helped scholars learn more about the burial practices of early Japanese imperial rulers.
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