Rokuroseyama Kofun Cluster, Ancient burial site in Sakai, Japan
Rokuroseyama Kofun Cluster is an ancient burial complex with roughly 130 mounds spread across elevated ground near the Kuzuryū River. The site displays circular, rectangular, and keyhole-shaped earthen mounds that vary significantly in scale and construction.
The mounds were built between the late 4th and early 5th century, reflecting burial practices of a prosperous society at that time. The site became a National Historic Site in 1990, recognizing its importance as a surviving record of ancient settlement and social organization.
The mounds reflect different social ranks through their shapes and sizes, with larger keyhole forms indicating more powerful individuals. Smaller circular and rectangular mounds represent common people's burials from the same era.
The site is roughly 30 minutes on foot from Shiizakai Station on the Echizen Railway Katsuyama Eiheiji Line. Wear sturdy walking shoes since the mounds are spread across hilly terrain that requires some exploration to fully appreciate.
Excavations revealed elaborate burial chambers inside the largest mounds, filled with clay figurines and ornamental objects that suggest high-ranking individuals were interred with their most precious possessions. Such careful burial preparations indicate a highly organized society with distinct social classes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
