Mizushina Kofun Group
Mizushina Kofun Group (水科古墳群, Mizushina Kofun-gun) is an archaeological site containing a group of late Kofun period burial tumulii located in what is now part of the city of Jōetsu, Niigata in the Hokuriku region of Japan. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1976.[1]
水科古墳群 | |
 Mizushina Kofun Group | |
 .svg.png){kind=icon} Mizushina Kofun Group  Mizushina Kofun Group (Japan) | |
| Location | Jōetsu, Niigata, Japan |
|---|---|
| Region | Hokuriku region |
| Coordinates | 37°05′41″N 138°21′05″E |
| Type | Kofun |
| Area | 101,160 sq meters |
| History | |
| Founded | Kofun period |
| Site notes | |
| Ownership | National Historic Site |
| Public access | Yes |
Overview
The site is located in a rice field on the western edge of the Takada Plain, near the alluvial delta of the Inada River. Within a very small area (approximately one hectare) is a group of 34 circular-shaped kofun with flattened tops. Each has a diameter of seven to ten meters. Only a few of the tombs have been found to have fukiishi. Nine of the tombs have been excavated, and were found to contain a lateral stone chamber with stone sarcophagus. The burial chambers were 4.5 meters long on average, with the longest being 8.6 meters, and had a width of 0.7 to 1.0 meter, although a few were considerably narrower. Grave goods included straight swords, daggers, jewellery (beads, magatama, glass balls, gold and silver rings) and Sue ware pottery. From these grave goods, it is estimated that these tombs were constructed in the early 7th century.
The site is open to the public as an archaeological park.
References
- "水科古墳群" (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs.
External links
- Jōetsu tourism home page (in Japanese)
- Jōetsu city official home page