牛塚古墳, Kofun burial mound in Kawagoe, Japan.
Ushidzuka Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound on a plateau overlooking the Iruma River, stretching about 47 meters in length. The structure combines a rectangular front section with a large circular rear section roughly 20 meters across.
This mound was built in the late 6th century during the Kofun period, when such structures served as tombs for powerful figures. Inside, the horizontal stone chamber contains evidence of two separate burials placed at different levels over time.
The burial goods discovered here—decorated rings and horse equipment—tell us about the people buried inside and their important place in their community. Such objects reveal how the living honored their high-ranking deceased during this era.
The mound sits close to the JR Kawagoe Line and is walkable from either Kagohara or Matoba stations. Visit on clear days, as the unpaved plateau surface can become slippery when wet.
This is the largest keyhole-shaped tomb structure in the entire Iruma River basin, signaling the importance of those buried here. Its survival without modern construction on top makes it a rare example of this burial tradition still standing in the landscape.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
