Kawarazuka Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Gyoda, Japan
Kawarazuka Kofun is a 73-meter-long burial mound shaped like a keyhole, with a square section and a circular end visible from above. The mound is surrounded by a double rectangular moat and sits near the Saitama Prefectural Museum of the Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds.
The burial mound was built in the first half of the 6th century during a period when keyhole-shaped tumuli were widely constructed across Japan. In 2020, it received designation as a Special National Historic Site, recognizing its importance for understanding this ancient era.
The clay figurines discovered here depict dwellings, birds, and people, offering insights into ancient clothing styles and ritual practices. These objects reveal how people lived and honored their dead during this era.
The site is easily accessible and offers good views of the mound's overall shape from designated walking paths around it. The nearby museum is a practical stop to learn more about the artifacts uncovered during excavations at this location.
The circular rear section measures approximately 37 meters in diameter and roughly 5 meters high, while the rectangular front section spans about 47 meters across. These proportions reveal the careful planning that went into building such elaborate tombs during this period.
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