Kaiten-yama Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Kagawa, Japan
Kaiten-yama Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound in Kagawa featuring a raised circular rear section and a rectangular front section. The two sections are connected by a narrow ridge and surrounded by water-filled moats and earthen embankments that form part of the original construction.
This burial mound was constructed during the Kofun period, a span from 250 to 538 AD when such monuments marked the graves of the elite. The keyhole shape and construction methods reflect how burial practices and social hierarchy evolved in early Japan.
The design and construction of this tomb reflects the hierarchical social structure and burial practices of early Japanese civilization.
The site is accessible via marked pathways that guide visitors around the mound and its features. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, and it is best to plan a leisurely walk to see both the rear circular section and the front rectangular platform from different angles.
The water-filled moats surrounding this mound served both practical drainage and ceremonial purposes in its original design. These channels remain visible today and give the site a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other kofun.
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