A 4th Century Kofun In Spectacular Farmland In Northern Japan - Inarimori Kofun - 稲荷森古墳

This is a truly beautiful kofun which lies surrounded by beautiful farmland, filmed on a beautiful day. It's up there with one of my favourites.

Located in Yamagata Prefecture (山形県) the kofun dates back to the second half of the 4th Century. It's a classic keyhole tumulus AKA zenpokoenfun (前方後円墳).

It has an overall length of 96 meters, making it the largest in Yamagata prefecture, and the 7th largest in the Tōhoku (Northern Japan) region. The circular portion has a diameter of 62 meters and height of 9.2 meters and is constructed in three tiers. The rectangular portion has a width of 30 meters and height of five meters and is constructed in one tier. No fukiishi, haniwa or trace of a moat have been discovered, although shards of Haji ware pottery and some human bones were found.

More info : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inarimo...

Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/HhqGTCF5Ky6d8...

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Q: What am I watching here ?

A: You are watching footage of a "kofun/古墳" - kofun are tombs in Japan that were created during the Kofun Period (roughly between the 3rd and 7th Century AD) - this era was preceded by the Jomon and Yayoi periods, and followed by Asuka, Nara and so on. These tombs were built as burial chambers for people from Japanese imperial families and other people of higher status in society during those days. The most well-known and generally largest tombs are found around Kyoto and Osaka, but they are found all over Kansai, Kanto, Tohoku etc., and even in other parts of Japan such as Shikoku and Kyushu. Figures vary greatly, but some sources state there are over 160000 of these kofun in Japan. At times you will see haniwa on and around kofun - haniwa are terracotta figures which were made in various shapes, including being formed as people and animals.
Have a read of the the Wikipedia article for more information : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kofun

Ideally I'd like to build a kofun appreciation community of sorts, but that is just a dream right now. You can hit me up on:

  / japankofun  
  / japankofun