Okameishi Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Tondabayashi, Japan.
Okameishi Kofun is an ancient burial mound in Tondabayashi with a circular shape measuring about 15 meters across and 4 meters high, featuring a stone corridor leading to a stone coffin. The site contains roof tiles from the early period arranged around the burial chamber, revealing details of its original construction.
This tomb was built in the early 7th century during the final phase of the Kofun era. Its architectural features reflect the Asuka period style and connect it to the nearby Shindō Temple ruins.
The stone coffin has six rope-attachment knobs and resembles a turtle shape, which gave this archaeological site its name. This design reflects how people of that time thought about burial and the symbolism they placed in their tombs.
The site sits on a ridge extending from the Habikinogakuryō hills at about 98 meters elevation. A walk of roughly 15 minutes from Tondabayashi Station brings you to the burial ground.
Ceramic roof tiles from the Asuka period are still stacked around the stone coffin, a rare find that links this tomb to the nearby Shindō Temple ruins. These tiles suggest the burial site may have had connections to temple construction activities of that era.
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