Mikuriya Kofun Group, Ancient burial site in Iwata, Japan.
The Mikuriya Kofun Group is an archaeological site with five large burial mounds located on the eastern bank of the Tenryu River in Shizuoka Prefecture. Built between the 3rd and 7th centuries, these mounds display the earthen tumulus construction typical of Japan's ancient burial tradition.
The Shorinzan Kofun, one of the oldest mounds at this site, was excavated in 1931 and revealed a stone burial chamber filled with bronze mirrors, weapons, and farming implements. These discoveries provided valuable evidence about the craftsmanship and wealth of Japan's ancient ruling classes.
These burial mounds once marked the resting places of important people whose status determined the size and design of their tombs. Walking among them, you can observe how their shapes and arrangements tell the story of a hierarchical society.
The site is walkable from Shinmei-mae bus stop, which sits about five minutes away and connects from Iwata Station. You can move around the mounds at your own pace and explore the grounds freely without strict time constraints.
The Takeneyama Kofun features a distinctive coating of fukiishi stones that create a patterned surface across its mound. This stone arrangement makes it visually stand out from the other burial mounds in the group.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
