Suyama Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Kashiba, Japan
Suyama Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound near Kashiba that stretches 204 meters long and is encircled by deep water-filled moats. Inside, multiple burial chambers and ritual spaces were built to house members of the ancient elite.
The mound was built in the late 4th to early 5th centuries as a final resting place for a high-ranking ruler. The Japanese government officially protected it as a Special Historic Site in 1952, recognizing its importance to the nation's heritage.
The burial chambers inside reveal how ancient nobility practiced their final rites, with spaces designed for specific ceremonies and gatherings. These arrangements show what people valued and how they honored their dead.
An observation platform on the southern side gives visitors a clear view of the entire mound and its surrounding moats. The site remains accessible year-round, making it easy to visit whenever you have time.
The water-filled moats encircling the mound currently serve as an irrigation reservoir for nearby farmland, giving it a distinctive island-like form. This dual use connects an ancient sacred site with the working landscape around it.
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