Mino Kofun Group, Ancient burial site near Himeji, Japan
The Mino Kofun Group is an ancient burial site near Himeji comprising numerous earthen mounds with distinct geometric shapes including keyhole, circular, and square forms scattered across the landscape. Walking paths connect these different structures, allowing visitors to explore the site and observe the varied designs of each mound.
These burial structures were constructed between the 3rd and 7th centuries, marking a period when Japanese society became increasingly organized and hierarchical. The expansion and variety of mound designs over time show how social conditions and beliefs evolved throughout this era.
The burial mounds contain clay figurines and objects like weapons, jewelry, and pottery that show what mattered to people living in this era. Walking through the site, you can see how important these monuments were for expressing status and beliefs in ancient Japanese society.
The site is easily accessible by public transportation from Himeji Station, with clearly marked paths connecting the various burial mounds. Wear comfortable walking shoes since you will encounter uneven ground and may spend several hours exploring the area on foot.
The mounds show a carefully planned spatial arrangement that suggests the community had a thoughtful system for honoring and burying their dead over many generations. Despite being thousands of years old, these structures remain clearly visible, revealing how enduring their construction methods were.
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