Noge-Otsuka Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Setagaya, Japan.
The Noge-Otsuka Kofun is a burial mound with a scallop-shaped design, featuring a circular section and an elongated chamber arranged in a distinctive form. The entire structure spans approximately 104 meters and rises about 11 meters above the ground, with a horseshoe-shaped water moat encircling the earthwork.
This burial mound was constructed during the 5th century and contained four interred individuals along with important archaeological finds such as iron armor and copper mirrors. These discoveries indicate that it served as a tomb for members of a wealthy family.
The tomb displays early clay figures that reveal how people were buried during the Kofun Period.
The site is easily accessible and sits within a public park where visitors can view the structure from the surrounding pathways. It is best to visit during clearer weather when the ground is stable and safe for walking around the mound.
The mound features a distinctive protruding section called tsukuri-dashi that sets it apart from more typical round burial structures. This unusual design element offers clues about local burial customs of that era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.