Azuchi-Hyōtanyama Kofun

The Azuchi-Hyōtanyama Kofun extends 134 meters in length and features a distinctive keyhole shape with a square end and circular portion when viewed from above.

Built in the middle of the 4th century AD, this burial mound contains three pit-type stone chambers in the circular section and two box-type sarcophagi in the rectangular part.

Excavations between 1935 and 1936 revealed numerous artifacts including cylindrical haniwa, bronze mirrors, iron swords, spearheads, and shell jewelry within the chambers.

Visitors can reach the burial mound by taking a 25-minute walk from Azuchi Station on the JR West Tōkaidō Main Line, though no facilities are available at the site.

During its construction period, the higher water level of Lake Biwa turned the ridge into a peninsula, creating a strategic position for monitoring transportation routes.

Location: Omihachiman

Architectural style: keyhole-shaped kofun

GPS coordinates: 35.14186,136.14897

Latest update: March 8, 2025 20:29