Kabutoyama Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Yasu City, Japan
Kabutoyama Kofun is a circular burial mound in Yasu that rises visibly from the surrounding landscape, measuring around 37 meters across. The structure displays the typical form of these ancient burial sites and allows visitors to understand how such funeral monuments were built and shaped.
The mound was constructed during the Kofun period between 300 and 710 and served as a burial site for high-ranking members of society. This era marked a phase when such monumental graves were built to demonstrate the power and status of the elite.
The mound held importance for local communities in ancient times, showing how people honored their most significant members. Visitors can still see today how the shape structures the land and how it would have stood out in the landscape of its era.
The site is located in Yasu and is best visited during daylight hours when the mound's shape is clearly visible. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the ground can be uneven and access is on foot.
The name Kabutoyama comes from the mound's resemblance to a traditional Japanese helmet called a kabuto. This connection to military symbolism shows how the shape of the monument became associated with strength and protection in local understanding.
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