Takarazuka Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Matsusaka, Japan
Takarazuka Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound with a rectangular front section that connects to a circular rear portion. The site showcases the distinctive architectural form of ancient Japanese tombs and is now preserved within a park setting for visitors to explore.
This burial mound was constructed in the early 5th century and served as a resting place in ancient Japanese society. It received designation as a National Historic Site in 1932 and was subsequently examined through scientific excavations.
The terracotta figures displayed here depict people, animals, and buildings that once surrounded the burial site. Walking through the park allows visitors to see how these clay pieces reveal ancient funeral customs and daily life.
The site is accessible through the Takarazuka Kofun Park, where visitors can explore the preserved mound structures at a comfortable pace. The park layout allows easy navigation around the grounds to observe the architectural details of the ancient burial site.
Ground-penetrating radar revealed a hidden burial chamber beneath the surface that suggests a more complex internal chamber system. This discovery indicates the structure may have been more sophisticated than previously thought.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.