Maruyama Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Kashihara, Japan
Maruyama Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound in Kashihara with a length of 320 meters, making it the largest of its kind in Nara Prefecture. Underground, a chamber extending 28.4 meters holds two stone coffins carved to resemble houses from the ancient Kofun period.
This massive mound was built during the 6th century when ancient Japanese society had developed advanced construction methods. The sheer scale and complexity reveal how burial practices had grown more sophisticated over generations.
The tomb reflects how the ancient Japanese elite understood death and the afterlife through elaborate stone coffins shaped like houses. Visitors walking around the mound can sense how important this place was for showing power and status in that era.
The site is walkable from two nearby train stations: around 4 minutes from Kintetsu Okadera Station or about 13 minutes from Kintetsu Kashihara Jingu-mae Station. Since it is an outdoor location, wear appropriate clothing for the season and bring sun protection on clear days.
The underground burial chamber reaches 28.4 meters in length, making it one of the longest known chambers among all ancient Japanese tombs. This exceptional length hidden beneath the surface reveals how much effort and resources went into the invisible parts of the monument.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
