Anesaki Kofun Cluster, Ancient burial mounds in Ichihara, Japan
The Anesaki Kofun Cluster is a group of 34 burial mounds located on a plateau along the Yoro River, with elevations ranging from 30 to 40 meters. The site contains mounds of varying sizes, including the Tenjin Mountain Tomb, which stretches 130 meters in a distinctive keyhole shape.
These burial mounds were built between the late 4th and late 7th centuries, showing how burial customs changed over time in the region. The earliest and largest mound is the keyhole-shaped Tenjin Mountain Tomb, indicating it belonged to someone of high status.
The burial sites reflect how ancient Japanese people honored their dead and what objects they thought were important for the afterlife. The size and shape of each mound tell us about the social standing of those buried within.
You can reach several of the mounds from the nearby Anesaki Shrine, which provides convenient access to the site. The plateau setting allows for reasonable walking between the different burial grounds, though sturdy footwear is recommended for uneven terrain.
The Futakuzuka Tomb contains a stone pillow called Ishimakura, designated as an Important Cultural Property, alongside silver earrings and bronze mirrors discovered there. These rare objects offer insight into the personal possessions of wealthy people from that era.
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