Goshikizuka Kofun

The largest keyhole tomb in Hyogo

Karin Wu Dec 12, 2013 - 1 min read

<p>The impressive and massive Goshikizuka Kofun dates back to the 4th Century</p>

<p>Signs near Tarumi Station leading to Goshikizuka Kofun</p>

<p>The Sanyo Electric and JR lines can be seen from the tomb</p>

<p>At the base, a single haniwa (funeral mark) and a sign indicating the keyhole shape from an aerial point of view</p>

<p>The raised mound is the head of the keyhole tomb</p>

<p>The head of the keyhole tomb surrounded by haniwa is a large open area overlooking the surrounding town of Tarumi</p>

<p>A great view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from the head of the tomb</p>

<p>Looking down towards the base of the tomb and Awaji Island</p>

<p>On a clear day, Awaji Island looks really close from the tomb</p>

<p>The small visitors center holds artifacts dated back to the time the tomb was built</p>

<p>The Kotsubo Kofun, a smaller round tomb next to Goshikizuka, dates back to around the same historical period</p>

The Goshikizuka Kofun (the five colored tomb) is located just ten minutes from Tarumi Station and is the largest keyhole tomb in Hyogo Prefecture. The tomb faces Awaji Island and offers a spectacular view of Tarumi and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge on clear days. It is an impressive 194 meters long and 18 meters tall at the highest point. The tomb is dated back to the end of the 4th century and is thought to be the burial site of a important clan that ruled over the Akashi Kaikyo area. It was renovated in 1965 to preserve its historic value.

Karin Wu @karin.wu

Hi! I'm Karin Wu and I'm currently living and working in Tokyo. I took part in the photojournalism internship for JapanTravel in 2013, and I now contribute every so often when I can get out on the weekends. Writing is a passion of mine, and this site gives me not only an additional excuse to expl...