Yanase Futagozuka Kofun, Kofun burial mound in Annaka, Japan.
Yanase Futagozuka Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound with two distinct tiers, combining a round section and a rectangular section in its design. The entire structure stretches 80 meters long with a 50-meter diameter at its circular end.
The mound was built in the 6th century as a burial place for someone of high rank, evident from its elaborate construction. Excavations in the 1800s revealed valuable artifacts stored within, including weapons and armor that belonged to the deceased.
The clay figures placed on the mound showed the importance of the buried person in ancient society. They served as markers of power and social rank, visible to anyone passing by the site.
The site is easy to reach and has a guidance building that explains the burial practices of the time. Wear comfortable shoes since you can explore the mound itself, and the pathways vary in surface and slope.
Inside the burial chamber, archaeologists found more than 1200 objects including iron weapons, armor pieces, and ornaments that reveal details about the life of the ancient elite. This collection is one of the richest discoveries from that era.
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