Ryoguzan Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Kita Ward, Japan
Ryoguzan Kofun is a burial monument in Kita Ward with a distinctive keyhole shape made up of two connected sections. The overall complex extends across a considerable length and displays the typical architecture of this type of imperial and noble tomb.
The tomb was built during the 5th century and ranks among the larger monuments of its era in the region. It testifies to a period when local rulers erected elaborate graves as symbols of their status.
The mound indicates the presence of powerful local rulers in the Kibi region who held strong ties to the Yamato administration. Their prominence is reflected in the scale and design of this burial structure.
The site is reachable from the station by traveling outward and then walking a short distance to the entrance. When visiting, plan for a somewhat extended journey and wear appropriate footwear for walking around the grounds.
The original double moat system remains visible today, with the inner moat now serving as a water reservoir known as Ryogu Pool. This repurposing shows how the ancient monument has been integrated into the surrounding agricultural landscape.
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