Kamifunazuka Kofun


Kamifunazuka Kofun is a keyhole-shaped kofun burial mound located in what is now part of the town of Wakasa, Fukui in the Hokuriku region of Japan. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1935.

Overview

The Kamifunazuka Kofun is one of a group of kofun located in the Hirano neighbourhood of central Wakasa town, sandwiched between Japan National Route 27 and the tracks of the JR West Obama Line railway. This tumulus is oriented almost in an east and west direction with the circular portion facing east. The total length is 70 meters, with the circular portion having a diameter of 36 meters. The "neck" of the structure has a width of 20 meters, widening out towards the west, where it has a width of 50 meters. The height of the tumulus is 16 meters. The entire structure is similar to that of the nearby Nishizuka Kofun. The Kamifunazuka Kofun was once covered with fukiishi, of which a portion remain, and the fragments of haniwa have been found in the area. The kofun is also surrounded by a dry moat.
The Kamifunazuka Kofun is believed to date from the 6th century, or late in the Kofun period, but this tumulus has yet to be excavated by archaeologists.
Per local legend, this tumulus is said to be the grave of the Kuni no miyatsuko of Wakasa Province.