Higashinomiya Kofun

Higashinomiya Kofun (東之宮古墳, Higashinomiya Kofun) is a Kofun period burial mound, located in what is now part of the city of Inuyama, Aichi in the Tōkai region of Japan. It was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1975.[1]

Higashinomiya Kofun
東之宮古墳
Higashinomiya Kofun
Higashinomiya Kofun
Higashinomiya Kofun (Japan)
LocationInuyama, Aichi, Japan
RegionTōkai region
Coordinates35°23′25″N 136°57′03″E
History
PeriodsKofun period
Site notes
OwnershipNational Historic Site
Public accessYes
Bronze mirrors recovered from the Higashinomiya Kofun

Overview

The Higashinomiya Kofun is located at the northwest end of the Aki Hills on the left bank of the Kiso River in the northeast of Inuyama city. Built by cutting away a natural hill with an altitude of 135 meters, it has a typical keyhole-shaped form and a view of the Owari Plain. Two burial facilities can be confirmed in the rear and one in the front. Both are parallel to the main axis of the burial mound. Since one of the rear parts was broken into and partially destroyed, emergency excavations were conducted by the Inuyama City Board of Education in 1973. A cave-type stone burial chamber was found, containing many burial goods including 11 ancient bronze mirrors, magatama and cylindrical beads, jade balls, wheel-shaped stones, iron implements (including swords, daggers, spears and agricultural implements) and a cracked bamboo-shaped sarcophagus. From these grave goods, it was estimated that the kofun dates from the late 3rd to early 4th century, making it one of the earliest in Owari Province. The burial chamber was lined with clay, which was painted vermilion, including the ceiling. All of the excavated items were designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan[2] and are now stored at the Kyoto National Museum.

From 2005 to 2007, an excavation survey was carried out by the Inuyama City Board of Education for historic site maintenance, and it was determined that the mound was constructed in two tiers and was covered in fukiishi. The total length was 78 meters, with a height of 8 meters.

The kofun is located 15 minutes on foot from Inuyama Yuen Station on the Meitetsu Kakamigahara Line.

See also

References
  1. "東之宮古墳" (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs.
  2. "尾張東之宮古墳出土品" (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs.
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