Yamada Uenoyama Kofun, Imperial burial mound in Taishi, Japan.
Yamada Uenoyama Kofun is a round earthen burial mound from the 7th century located in present-day Taishi. The circular shape and earth construction follow the standard design of imperial tombs from that era.
This mound is recognized by Japan's Imperial Household Agency as the final resting place of Emperor Kotoku. It dates to a period when circular earthen mounds were the standard burial form for rulers and court members.
The mound reflects how ancient Japanese communities honored their leaders through burial customs tied to their beliefs about the afterlife. Circular kofun like this one show what people valued in their ceremonies and social order.
This mound is part of the Shinagadani Kofun Cluster in Osaka Prefecture, allowing visitors to see multiple burial mounds from the same period in one area. The site was officially designated as a Historic Site of Japan, making it a protected archaeological location to explore.
The mound was designated as a Historic Site of Japan in 1956, protecting its archaeological value for future study. This official recognition makes it one of the better-preserved examples of 7th-century burial engineering in the region.
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