Osahozuka Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Saito, Japan
The Osahozuka Kofun is a burial mound with a distinctive scallop shape, located within a larger cluster of ancient tombs in the Saitobaru area. The site contains numerous similar structures arranged across the landscape, allowing visitors to view different examples of this burial tradition together.
This tomb was built around 500 CE, during a period when Japan was developing centralized leadership through increased contact with the Asian mainland. The construction of these grand monuments reflected the growing power of emerging elite families.
The scallop-shaped tomb reflects how ancient society marked social rank through burial practices and memorial design. Walking around it, you can sense how important position determined the scale and effort invested in a person's final resting place.
The site is best visited in dry conditions, as it consists of open ground with little shelter from weather. Comfortable footwear is helpful for walking the uneven paths and getting better views of the different mounds from various angles.
Excavations uncovered iron armor and weapons at this site, suggesting far-reaching trade connections across Asia. These discoveries show that people here had access to goods and technology from distant regions during ancient times.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
