Kōjin-yama Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Hikone, Japan
Kōjin-yama Kofun is a large burial mound in Hikone featuring a keyhole shape with both square and circular sections. The mound rises on a ridge with views across the surrounding landscape.
This burial mound dates to the Kofun period and received official designation as a National Historic Site of Japan in February 2011. The recognition honored its importance as evidence of early Japanese burial practices.
The mound sits within walking paths that allow visitors to explore its shape from different angles around the site. These trails connect the burial place to the surrounding landscape, making it a location where history integrates with the natural environment.
The mound lies about ten minutes on foot from Kawase Station and remains open to visitors year-round. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the paths are hilly and change with the seasons.
Archaeological excavations between 2002 and 2007 uncovered numerous haniwa pottery figures, including cylindrical shapes and representations of houses, animals, and human figures. These finds show that the site was once surrounded by objects meant to reflect the life of the buried person.
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