Nishiyama Kofun

The Nishiyama Kofun is a burial mound with two connected rectangular sections located in the Somanouchi tomb cluster near Tenri. The structure is built up from earth and sits among other ancient tombs in this archaeological area.

This burial mound was built in the 4th century and shows how local ruling families expressed their power. Such monumental structures displayed the importance of leaders in their society and how they were remembered.

The two connected rectangular sections show how people in ancient Japan honored their dead through carefully planned burial designs. The shape itself was a way to display power and social status in that time.

The site is open and accessible, allowing you to walk around the mound freely without formal restrictions or gates. There are no museum buildings or shops on the grounds, so plan accordingly if you want to learn more about its history beforehand.

The double rectangular shape is unusual and stands apart from the simple round or other tomb types of the same period. This special design allowed builders to honor multiple people or family connections within a single structure.

Location: Tenri

Inception: 4 century

Architectural style: two conjoined rectangles-type kofun

Part of: Somanouchi Kofun Cluster

GPS coordinates: 34.59250,135.84333

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01