Tsukiyama Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Yamato-Takada, Japan
Tsukiyama Kofun is a burial mound in Yamato-Takada with a distinctive keyhole shape, consisting of one square end and one circular end, stretching about 90 meters in length and rising 10 meters high. Inside are two stone sarcophagi that held precious archaeological discoveries.
This burial mound dates to the 5th century and reflects the burial customs of ancient Japanese nobility during the Kofun period. The two sarcophagi inside held remains of individuals at different social levels, revealing much about how society was organized.
The mound serves as a window into early Japanese society, with its two chambers reflecting different social standings of the deceased. Visitors can see how important families honored their dead with precious goods and elaborate burial practices.
The site is open to visitors year-round without any entrance fee, making it an accessible historical destination. It sits near Kozaki Station, from which the mound can be easily reached on foot.
Excavations revealed that the northern sarcophagus held the remains of a woman adorned with a shellfish bracelet, indicating her high status. The southern chamber contained the remains of three other individuals, showing how burial practices could be complex and varied.
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