日拝塚古墳

Gazing upon Hihaizuka Kofun, one might wonder about the secrets buried within. This keyhole-shaped tomb, nestled in Kasuga, Fukuoka, whispers tales of a time long past. Hihaizuka Kofun stands as a testament to the Kofun period, a significant era in Japanese history from the 3rd to the early 7th century. Designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1976, Hihaizuka Kofun offers a glimpse into the burial practices and cultural richness of ancient Japan. The keyhole shape, known as zenpō-kōen-fun, is a distinctive characteristic of many kofun tombs. Hihaizuka Kofun measures 41.2 meters in length. It features a circular rear mound 22 meters in diameter and 5.9 meters high, connected to a rectangular front section 34 meters wide and 5.4 meters high. Originally, a moat encircled the tomb, extending its total length to about 60 meters. Built in two stages, the tomb lacks the decorative haniwa clay figures or fukiishi stones found in some other kofun. The real treasure lies within the heart of the circular mound: a horizontal-entry stone chamber. Constructed from granite blocks, this chamber opens to the southwest, measuring 3.6 by 2.6 meters, with a height of four meters. A narrow passage, just one meter wide and 1.5 meters high, leads into this solemn space. Excavations in 1929 unearthed a wealth of artifacts, now housed in the Tokyo National Museum. These included a bronze mirror, gold earrings, rings, a long iron sword, horse fittings, and Sue ware pottery. These finds date the tomb to the 6th century, offering valuable insights into the lives and status of those buried within. A fascinating piece, a pair of gold pendant earrings, is preserved closer to home, at the Nakuni-no-Oka History Museum in Kasuga City. Hihaizuka Kofun isn’t just a mound of earth; it’s a portal to the past. It invites us to connect with the people who lived, loved, and were laid to rest centuries ago.