Sakurai Chausuyama Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Sakurai, Japan
Sakurai Chausuyama Kofun is a burial mound in Japan with a distinctive keyhole form consisting of an elongated front section and a rounded rear portion. The earthwork demonstrates the careful planning and execution of tomb construction from this era.
This mound was built in the early 5th century and served as a burial place for a high-ranking ruler of that period. Excavations show that the construction was planned with elaborate details and interior features.
The mound's name reflects its historical purpose, and visitors can observe the distinctive keyhole design that was intentionally created to convey status and meaning. The careful shaping of the earthwork demonstrates how form itself communicated social importance in ancient times.
The site is located at the northern foot of Mount Tori and remains open throughout the year, approximately five minutes by bus from JR Sakurai Station. Visitors can walk around the mound to see its full form, and it is worth allowing extra time to appreciate the entire earthwork from different angles.
An excavation in 2023 revealed more than 100 ancient bronze mirrors hidden within the inner chamber. This quantity of mirrors is rare among known Japanese burial mounds and underscores the importance of the person entombed there.
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