Goshikizuka kofun, Ancient burial mound in Tarumi-ku, Japan
Goshikizuka Kofun is a large burial mound shaped like a keyhole, with a square front section and a round rear section. The mound spans 194 meters in length and stands 18 meters high, built to serve as a tomb for important figures of ancient Japan.
The mound was built between the late 4th and early 5th centuries and remains the largest burial monument in Hyogo Prefecture. It received designation as a National Historic Site in 1921.
This mound served as a sacred burial site where people gathered to honor the deceased and participate in burial ceremonies. The construction reflects how much importance ancient communities placed on honoring their leaders through elaborate rituals.
Visitors can walk around and explore the mound from various points to see its distinctive keyhole shape. Comfortable walking shoes are helpful since the terrain has some slopes and pathways wind through the site.
The mound has three distinct layers featuring decorated clay tubes, showing how carefully ancient builders planned their work. Excavations have uncovered rare jewelry pieces including special curved necklace ornaments found at very few sites.
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