Maruhoyama Kofun, located in Sakai, is one of the many impressive burial mounds that form part of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This keyhole-shaped tomb dates back to the Kofun period and is thought to be the resting place of a high-ranking figure, reflecting the political and cultural importance of the region at the time. While the tomb itself is not open to the public, visitors can walk around its perimeter and appreciate the scale of its construction. Surrounded by greenery and moats, the mound offers a tranquil atmosphere that contrasts with the urban environment nearby. Informational signs provide helpful context about its history and significance. Maruhoyama Kofun may not be as large as the nearby Daisen-ryo Kofun, but it is still a fascinating site that contributes to understanding Japan’s ancient past. For history enthusiasts and those exploring the kofun landscape of Sakai, it makes for a worthwhile stop.

ancient tomb in the dirty pond world heritage site

A scallop-shaped keyhole tomb that is also registered as a component of the World Heritage Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, it sits quietly near the Daisenryo Kofun. Around summer it's overgrown with grass and such, but from autumn to winter its shape is easier to make out.

+3

A kofun where you can't see the round rear mound at all. The front section looks like it's been leveled down quite low. This is a scallop-shaped kofun, so the front section is low by default, but even taking that into account, it's way too low. And the round rear mound is completely invisible. Is this thing even maintained?

+3

A keyhole-shaped tomb located right next to the outer moat of the Daisenryo Kofun. The mound is 87 m long, the round rear section is 60 m in diameter, and it's estimated to have been built around the mid-5th century. It's believed to be a satellite tomb of Daisenryo, and is said to be the largest scallop-shaped keyhole tomb in the Mozu Kofun Group. It sits on the edge of a residential area and is fenced in all the way around. Being so close to houses, I was impressed it survived the housing development rush without being destroyed. It was designated a national historic site early, in 1972, so maybe that's how it narrowly escaped destruction.

+3