Shinbaru-Nuyama Kofun Group, Ancient burial mounds in Fukutsu, Japan.
Shinbaru-Nuyama Kofun Group is a collection of burial mounds of varying sizes and structures spread across a large area. The site contains several individual earthen mounds, each with distinct architectural features that reflect the burial customs of early Japan.
These burial mounds date back to the Kofun period and were built by the Munakata clan, an important family in early Japanese history. The mounds show how burial practices and social structures evolved during this time.
Clay figures called haniwa sit on top of these mounds, serving ceremonial purposes that reveal the social order of ancient Japan. You can observe how these sculptures were positioned to mark the burial places of important people.
The site is large and requires time to explore on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and allow enough time for your visit. Daytime visits work best when the structure and details of the mounds are clearly visible.
The site is part of a UNESCO World Heritage designation that also includes the Sacred Island of Okinoshima, giving it broader historical significance. This connection reveals the wider spiritual and cultural landscape to which these burial grounds belonged.
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