Ichigao Kofun Group, Ancient burial complex in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Japan.
The Ichigao Kofun Group consists of nineteen burial chambers carved into hillsides in a corridor style near the source of the Tsurumi River. The site spreads across an area with several of these ancient structures made of stone and worked into the natural slopes.
This burial complex dates from the 3rd to 7th century, a period when Japan was developing its early social structures. Excavations during the 1930s and 1950s uncovered weapons, personal ornaments, and pottery that document life in that distant age.
The burial chambers display varying construction methods that reflect how people in ancient times honored their deceased according to social rank. When visiting, you can observe how the size and decoration of the chambers differ, revealing clues about the status of those buried.
The site is marked with signage to help visitors find the different chambers and understand their history. Access is fairly straightforward since the location sits within convenient reach of Yokohama's public transportation network and is walkable.
Recent studies suggest this site served as an administrative center for the ancient Tsuzuki region rather than a simple cemetery. This makes the location a significant window into the political and economic organization of early Japan.
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