Sakurai Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Minamisoma, Japan.
Sakurai Kofun is an ancient burial mound in Minamisoma with two connected rectangular sections. The front features a stepped earthen platform, and a wide moat surrounds the entire structure.
This mound was built in the mid-4th century when powerful clans were establishing their authority in the region. It was part of a group of about 37 burial mounds constructed on a river terrace.
The site reflects how ancient people honored their dead and built structures to mark their importance. The scale and form suggest someone of high status was buried here.
The site sits within Sakurai Kofun Park and is reachable by public transport near a train station. Wear comfortable shoes since you will walk around the mound to view it from different angles.
The moat surrounding the mound varies in width from 7 to 20 meters rather than being uniform. This shows that ancient builders adapted their design to the natural landscape.
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