Abuyama Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Takatsuki, Japan
Abuyama Kofun is a circular burial mound in Takatsuki featuring a stone chamber and surrounding moat in its structure. The site sits on elevated ground between Takatsuki and Ibaraki cities and gained National Historic Site status in 1983.
Workers discovered this burial site in 1934 while constructing a seismic observatory for Kyoto Imperial University. The findings revealed that the mound dates to the Asuka period and was carefully maintained over centuries.
This burial site displays architectural features from the Asuka period, including a stone chamber and surrounding moat. The structure shows how people of that era valued careful burial practices and what they considered important for the afterlife.
The site is reachable from Settsu-Tonda or Takatsuki train stations, with taxi service available from both locations. Visit during dry weather since the path climbs uphill and can become slippery after rain.
Inside the burial chamber lay the remains of a man protected for over 1,500 years by multiple layers of lacquered sarcophagus construction. His hair, clothing, and textiles survived in remarkably good condition.
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