Onoue Kurumayama Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Okayama, Japan
Onoue Kurumayama Kofun is a burial mound with a distinctive keyhole shape from early Japanese history. The circular rear section connects to a rectangular front platform, creating a complete structure that survives today with its earthen and stone construction.
This burial mound was built during the Kofun period, an era known for advanced burial construction techniques. It represents a time when Japanese society expressed its power and organizational ability through monumental tombs.
This burial site reflects how ancient society honored its most important people through deliberate construction and placement. Visitors can observe that the scale and form of the mound expressed the rank and influence of those buried within.
The mound is protected through careful stone placement and compacted earth layers that maintain its shape over time. Visitors should explore using designated paths to help preserve this historic structure.
The keyhole shape found here follows a pattern used throughout the region, showing a deep understanding of burial rituals at that time. This standardized design reveals how widespread and coordinated tomb culture was across the area.
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