Shorinzan Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Iwata, Japan
Shorinzan Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Iwata that extends approximately 107 meters in length. It features a circular section joined to a rectangular platform, a design typical of these ancient funerary structures.
This mound was built in the late 4th century to serve as a burial place for a high-ranking person. Excavations revealed bronze mirrors, weapons, and agricultural tools that provide clues about life during that period.
The mound represents early Japanese burial practices, incorporating specific architectural elements that mark the social status of the deceased person.
The site is accessible by local bus services near the Tōkaidō Main Line railway, followed by a short walk to reach the mound. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven and bring weather protection depending on the season.
This mound is the largest among roughly 500 mounds in the Mikuriya group, many of which vanished when railway construction reshaped the landscape in the late 1800s and 1900s. Its survival shows how rare it is for such ancient structures to endure through modern development.
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