Otsurumaki-kofun

Otsurumaki-kofun is a burial mound shaped like a keyhole, extending approximately 123 meters in length. The structure consists of a square front section connected to a circular rear portion and is surrounded by two concentric moats.

The mound was built between the late 4th and early 5th century, showing the burial construction practices of the Kofun period. This timeframe coincides with an important phase in ancient Japanese society when such monumental structures were raised for prominent individuals.

The name Otsurumaki refers to its distinctive form and shape. Visitors today can observe how the double moats encircle the mound and separate it from the surrounding park space.

The mound is located in Takasaki in Gunma Prefecture and is integrated into a public park that is freely accessible. The best time to visit is during dry weather, as the moat grounds can become muddy and walking around becomes difficult.

Excavations during the Meiji period uncovered clay fragments and decorative stone pieces within the mound, but the central burial chamber has never been fully examined. This keeps the site mysterious for archaeologists and gives it a sense of unresolved history.