Nagatsuka Kofun, Keyhole-shaped burial mound in Nakaedo, Kani, Japan
The Nagatsuka Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound in Kani with a circular portion measuring 46 meters across and a rectangular anterior section extending 25 meters wide. The structure rises to a height of about 8 meters above the surrounding ground.
This burial mound dates to the 4th century, representing ancient Japan's burial traditions from that period. Excavations carried out from 1982 to 1997 revealed bronze mirrors, glass spheres, and pottery fragments that confirmed the age and significance of the site.
The keyhole-shaped design of this burial mound reflects how ancient societies ranked their members, with the size of such structures showing the importance of the person buried inside. The form itself became a visual statement of social position within the community.
This site sits about a 10-minute walk from Kani Station, making it fairly easy to reach by foot. The mound is located in a quiet area between two rivers, where you can explore the ancient monument surrounded by the natural landscape.
A moat about 5 meters wide once surrounded this monument on its south and east sides, and traces of it remain visible today. This defensive feature was reserved for important burials and sets this site apart from others in the surrounding area.
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