Ainoshima Stone Tumuli, Ancient burial site in Shingū, Japan.
Ainoshima Stone Tumuli is a group of stone burial mounds located on an island near Shingu, dating back to ancient times. The site contains multiple earthen and stone structures, each with burial chambers built into the ground.
These burial mounds were built during a transformative period when Japan developed new methods for honoring and interring its dead. Construction of such monuments continued for over three centuries before mortuary practices shifted dramatically.
The stone mounds reveal how ancient communities honored and laid to rest their leaders through elaborate burial practices. Visitors can observe the careful construction of the chambers, which reflected the social standing of those interred within.
The island is reachable by ferry from the mainland, with a short crossing time. Once there, you can walk among the mounds at your own pace, and comfortable footwear is advisable given the terrain.
The stones within the burial chambers were positioned with such precision that they have maintained their original arrangement for over a thousand years. This structural stability is especially remarkable given that the island regularly experiences typhoons.
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