Kurozuka Kofun is significant as it provides insight into the burial practices and social structures of ancient Japan. These mounds are associated with the elite class of the Kofun period, indicating the social and political organization of the time.
Kurozuka Kofun is known for its keyhole-shaped mound, which is typical of many larger kofun. This shape includes a round rear and a rectangular front when viewed from above, and is often surrounded by a moat.
Access to Kurozuka Kofun can vary. Some kofun sites allow visitors to view the mounds from designated pathways or observation areas to protect the archaeological integrity.
This 130-meter-long keyhole-shaped tumulus, built in the late 3rd century, is particularly famous for the large number of 33 triangular-rimmed mirrors bearing divine beasts that were excavated from it. It has been developed into a park, and there are information boards and stairs leading up to the tumulus.
As mentioned above, a large number of triangular-rimmed mirrors bearing divine beasts have been excavated from this tumulus. These mirrors are thought to have been given to Himiko by the Wei Dynasty, so I think this tumulus supports the theory that Yamataikoku was located in the Kinai region.
This keyhole-shaped tumulus is approximately 130 meters long. It is beautifully maintained and includes an exhibition hall and a park. There is a free municipal parking lot behind the Family Mart along the national highway, and you can walk there from there.
Visited in March 2026.
It's about a 10-minute walk from Yanagimoto Station.
It's easy to visit, and you can even climb on top of the burial mound. The nearby exhibition hall apparently has free admission, and I wanted to visit it, but it was closed, so I gave up.
February 14th, 2025 It is located right next to the Kofun Exhibition Hall, and it was great to see the area after visiting the museum. It seems that kofun were sometimes used in later generations as castle boundaries, and this was also evident here. For parking, it's best to head towards the nearby Family Mart. It looks like you can park 3 or 4 cars nearby, but the road is narrow, so the parking lot in front was easier to access.
