Kitahanauchi Otsuka Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Katsuragi, Japan.
Kitahanauchi Otsuka Kofun is a burial mound shaped like a keyhole, with a circular front section and a rectangular rear section. The mound is built from layered earth and contains an internal stone chamber where the deceased was placed.
This burial mound was built between the 3rd and 6th centuries during Japan's Kofun period, a time focused on monumental tomb construction. The era saw large earthen mounds built for the social elite as a way to display power and status.
The burial chamber was designed for people of high rank, showing how Japanese society valued their leaders. You can see the care taken in the stonework, which reflects the importance placed on these individuals.
The site is located in Nara Prefecture and is accessible to visitors who want to view it from the surrounding area. Comfortable shoes are useful since you will walk around the mound to see its full shape and scale.
The mound was originally surrounded by a protective ditch that separated it from the surrounding landscape. These features may not be obvious at first glance, but they reveal careful planning to convey importance and protection.
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