Yamatsuteru-jinja Kofun, Ancient burial site in Maibara, Japan
Yamatsuteru-jinja Kofun is a burial mound shaped like a keyhole, with a circular rear section connected to a square front area. The structure rises several meters high and displays the typical design of these ancient tombs.
The burial mound was discovered in 1882 during road construction and showed connections to the imperial court. It received official recognition during Emperor Daigo's reign in 928.
The mound sits next to a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Kunitsukitachi no Mikoto, where people come to pray. This location blends burial practices with ongoing spiritual worship.
You can reach the archaeological site through the Yamatsuteru shrine grounds, which serves as a spiritual center for the surrounding villages. Plan for a leisurely walk around the mound and explore the shrine buildings nearby.
Local records link this burial mound to Empress Jingu, suggesting possible imperial connections rarely known to visitors. These historical clues make the site worth exploring for those interested in ancient Japanese royal history.
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