Amenomiya Kofun Cluster, Ancient burial mounds in Kashima District, Japan.
The Amenomiya Kofun Cluster consists of around 36 burial mounds arranged on the summit of Mibake Mountain, which rises to about 188 meters. Several of these mounds feature distinctive keyhole-shaped designs and are covered with flat stone arrangements that date back over 1500 years.
The burial mounds were constructed between the mid-4th and early 5th centuries, a period when regional rulers were buried beneath these large stone monuments. The construction methods and scale reflect the growing importance of the Kashima area during ancient times.
The name comes from the Amenomiya Shrine located nearby, which connects the burial site to local spiritual traditions. Walking through the mounds, visitors can sense how these monuments held deep meaning for communities across centuries.
The site sits on a mountain summit and is accessible by a hiking path that takes roughly one hour from the nearest train station. Entry is free, and parking facilities are available near the trailhead for those arriving by car.
The Raigamine mound stands as the largest keyhole-shaped burial structure in Ishikawa Prefecture and features a rare two-tier construction pattern. This distinctive characteristic sets it apart from most other monuments of its era and makes it particularly valuable for archaeological study.
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