熊野神社古墳

The Kumano Jinja Kofun is a burial mound with an unusual shape: the upper section is circular while the lower portions are square. Inside, a complex burial chamber contains multiple rooms built with carefully cut stones.

The burial mound was built in the middle of the 7th century and belongs to a very rare group of only five known mounds of this type in Japan. This structure demonstrates the advanced building techniques of the Asuka period.

The site takes its name from the nearby Kumano Shrine, which has long been connected to this burial ground. Visitors can observe how the structure reflects the religious and social values of its time through its careful design.

The site is easily accessible on foot, about 8 minutes from a nearby train station. There is free admission to the exhibition hall and plenty of space to explore the grounds.

The mound was constructed using alternating layers of compacted soil, combined with precisely cut tuff stones in the burial chamber. This blend of different materials and layering techniques reveals the sophisticated knowledge of ancient builders.

Location: Okegawa

Architectural style: circular kofun

GPS coordinates: 35.97442,139.53512

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:03