Shiramizu Hisagozuka Kofun

Shiramizu Hisagozuka Kofun is an ancient burial mound located in Kobe that stands on a hillside overlooking the Ikawa River. The archaeological site spans several meters and contains a burial chamber with remains and artifacts from the early Kofun period.

The mound dates to the early Kofun period and demonstrates the development of burial practices in ancient Japan. Excavations conducted between 1987 and 1998 unearthed over 1,800 glass beads, revealing the craftsmanship of that era.

The burial chamber displays wooden coffins sealed with clay, revealing how early Japanese communities honored their deceased and practiced their burial rituals. These remains show the craftsmanship and beliefs that shaped the region's ancient society.

The site remains open to visitors and is managed by the Kobe City Board of Education with marked paths for exploration. Walking the grounds allows you to observe the mound's structure and layout firsthand.

The burial site contains rare decorative items including bronze mirrors with divine beast patterns and wheel-shaped stones. These valuable objects reveal the status and artistic skills of the ancient elite who were buried here.