Burial mound nationally known for its decorated coffin
Chibusan kofun (tumulus) is considered to have been built about 1500 years ago in the latter Kofun period (in the 6 century). It is a 44-meter long keyhole-shaped tumulus (zenpo-koen-fun or "front-circular rear-rectangular grave") having multiple burial chambers with a laterally attached entrance corridor. This kofun is known for the paintings decorating the walls of the stone coffin in its rear chamber. Circles, triangles, rhombi, and other geometric figures are painted in red, white, and black. It is believed that the Chibusan tumulus was so named because locals in the old times thought that the two circles painted side by side on the coffin wall looked like a woman's breasts (chibusa in Japanese). The paintings are preserved very well and the tumulus was designated as national historical site by the Government of Japan in 1922. Visitors can view the inside of the stone chamber by prior application to the Yamaga City Museum on days when it is open. Another ancient burial mound, the Obusan kofun sits 200 meters to the northwest of the Chibusan kofun. It is a round tumulus 22 meters in diameter and four meters in height, characterized by having two jetties extending outward from the sides of its entrance to define the forecourt and considered to have been built in the latter half of the 6th century. Open all day.
- Address
- 〒861-0554
Jo, Yamaga City
- Telephone
- 0968-43-1145
- Access
- Business hours
- Visiting time: Chibsan Tumulus / 10:00-14:00-(twice a day) on the opening day of Yamaga City Museum, Obsan Tumulus / Always
- Regular holiday
- Mondays, the day after public holidays, the year-end and New Year holidays
- Phone name
- Yamaga City Museum
