Nishitonozuka Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Sakurai, Japan
Nishitonozuka Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound located within a cluster of ancient tombs near Sakurai. The structure consists of two connected earth ridges that form the distinctive keyhole pattern characteristic of imperial burials from this era.
This tomb was built in the 3rd century, when monumental burial structures were constructed across Japan. The creation of this monument required substantial labor and coordination, demonstrating the organizational power of the society that built it.
This tomb reflects how ancient Japanese society honored its leaders through monumental earth structures built over generations. Walking around the site helps visitors understand the spiritual importance these burial places held for the people who built them.
Access to this site requires advance permission from the Imperial Household Agency since it is an imperial tomb. Visitors should arrange approval beforehand to ensure they can tour the grounds properly.
This mound was dedicated to a princess and stands beside a twin structure, creating a rare paired arrangement. The symmetry of these two similar tombs side by side makes the site architecturally distinctive among Japan's burial monuments.
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