Tatetsuki Site

Tatetsuki Site is a burial mound from the late Yayoi period featuring a circular central mound roughly 49 meters across with rectangular projections extending from both sides. The entire structure stretches about 83 meters in length and represents one of the largest burial complexes from this era.

This burial complex was built during the 2nd century in the late Yayoi period and contained wooden coffins with mercury vermillion powder spread beneath them. The site later received official protection status when designated as a national historic site in 1981.

The site reflects how people honored their dead and what objects they considered essential for the afterlife during this period. The discovered swords, jewels, and ceramic vessels reveal the craftsmanship and social status of that time.

The site is openly accessible and can be visited without special preparation, as it sits within a residential area of Kurashiki. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you'll want time to circle the mounds and observe their shape from different angles.

The burial was remarkable for the unusually large amount of mercury vermillion powder spread beneath the wooden coffins, a practice rarely seen in other tombs from this period. This distinctive burial ritual offers insight into regional customs that set this tomb apart.