Aotsuka Kofun
The Aotsuka Kofun (青塚古墳, Aotsuka 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 1983.[1] It is the second largest kofun found in Aichi Prefecture and dates from the mid-fourth century.
青塚古墳 | |
%2C_zenkei-2.jpg) Aotsuka Kofun | |
 .svg.png){kind=icon} Aotsuka Kofun  Aotsuka Kofun (Japan) | |
| Location | Inuyama, Aichi, Japan |
|---|---|
| Region | Tōkai region |
| Coordinates | 35°19′34″N 136°55′45″E |
| History | |
| Periods | Kofun period |
| Site notes | |
| Ownership | National Historic Site |
| Public access | Yes, on site museum |
Overview
The kofun is located in western Aichi Prefecture and is one of 10 burial mounds were once found in the surrounding area (most of which have now been destroyed. Excavations have been conducted since 1979.
The kofun is keyhole-shaped and consists of a three-tiered rear circle and two-tier rectangular front, facing southwest. The total length of the kofun is 123 meters with a 78 meter circular portion 12 meters high and a trapezoidal rectangular portion 45 x 62 meters with a height of seven meters. The kofun was formerly covered in fukiishi across its entire surface, and had rows of cylindrical and drum-shaped haniwa.
The kofun is associated with the Ni-no-miya of Owari Province, Oagata Jinja, which is located 3.5 kilometers to the east. The shrine claims that the kofun is the grave of its kami, the Oarata-no-mikoto (大荒田命).
During the Sengoku period, the kofun mound was fortified as a castle during the 1584 Battle of Komaki and Nagakute.
The site is now open to the public as Aozuka Kofun Historical Park with an on-site museum.
References
- "青塚古墳" (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs.
External links
