Nyakuōji kofun group, Ancient burial mounds in Shizuoka, Japan
The Nyakuoji kofun group comprises multiple keyhole-shaped burial mounds built in Shizuoka for members of the ruling class. The site displays various sizes and preservation states that reflect the different ranks and periods of these burials.
These mounds were built during the Kofun period when centralized state structures began forming in Japan and trade intensified with continental Asia. They mark a transitional era when society shifted from tribal systems toward organized governmental power.
The burial ground reveals how status and power were displayed through elaborate tombs and the objects placed within them for the afterlife. Walking around the mounds, you can sense how much effort and resources the community invested in honoring these individuals.
The site is walkable with paths connecting the mounds, allowing you to view them from different angles and understand their spatial relationship. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended since the ground is uneven and exploring takes time.
Clay figures called haniwa were originally placed around these mounds to accompany the deceased into the afterlife, depicting soldiers, horses, and attendants. These terracotta sculptures help archaeologists reconstruct daily life and understand the appearance of people and animals from this era.
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