Hazamiyama Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Fujiidera, Japan
Hazamiyama Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound in Fujiidera with its front section facing east and surrounded by a water-filled moat. The site features the typical two-part structure of these tombs, with a larger rounded rear section and a smaller raised front platform.
Built in the 5th century, this mound is part of the Furuichi Kofun Cluster and reflects the burial practices of the ancient ruling class. The construction demonstrates how powerful families used monumental building projects to display their status and authority.
The artifacts discovered here tell a story about the people who were buried: clay figures and objects show how important families demonstrated their status through elaborate tombs. Walking around the mound today helps you understand how much effort and resources went into these funeral practices.
The mound is accessible for walking around on foot, allowing you to see its full scale and structure from different angles. Signage and information panels at the site explain the different sections and what they were used for in ancient times.
What makes this place unusual is that it sits right next to another keyhole-shaped tomb that faces the opposite direction, a rare arrangement that shows this area was a major burial ground. This side-by-side placement of two similar monuments suggests these two important figures were meant to be remembered together.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
