Yata Ōtsuka Kofun, Circular burial mound in Kurashiki, Japan.
Yata Ōtsuka Kofun is a circular burial mound in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture. The mound measures about 43 meters across and features rectangular projections on its northeast and southwest sides, with stone rows arranged along the slope.
This burial mound dates to the 6th century and was designated a National Historic Site in 1981. Excavations uncovered burial chambers that revealed how the dead were prepared and placed during this period.
The site's name refers to the surrounding Ōtsuka area. The burial practices and objects found here show how important people were honored during the Kofun period, with special rituals and valuable grave goods.
The mound is open for visitors to walk around and observe its structure and stone arrangements from various angles. Wearing comfortable shoes is helpful since you will be moving across the sloped terrain.
Wooden coffins found beneath the mound were covered with large amounts of red pigment, a sign of high social standing. This red coloring spread throughout the burial chambers and demonstrates the importance of special burial rituals.
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