Kawarazuka kofun, Ancient burial mound in Gyoda, Japan
The Kawarazuka Kofun is a burial mound shaped like a keyhole, with a circular section at the back and a rectangular section at the front, both surrounded by a double moat. The round portion measures about 36 meters in diameter while the rectangular area extends about 47 meters in length.
This burial mound dates to the first half of the 6th century, when such monuments were built for high-status individuals. It received designation as a National Historic Site in 1938 and remains a key record of that era.
The clay figurines discovered here depict houses, water birds, armed men, and children playing musical instruments. These objects reveal details about daily life and social customs of that distant period.
The site is located next to the Saitama Prefectural Museum, making it easy to combine a visit with indoor exhibits and educational displays. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light for observing the mound structure and surrounding landscape details.
The clay figurines found here came from scenes of everyday life and were placed in the mound as offerings for the afterlife. What makes them striking is their range, showing that this ancient society valued music, crafts, and animals alongside their social hierarchy.
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