Overview
Kitashinike Kofun is an ancient burial mound at the foot of Mount Hakusan in Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture. Circular in form, it is counted among the mounds that make up the surrounding Oyama Kofun cluster. Raised by people of antiquity, its rounded mound still rests quietly on the hills of Komaki, offering a glimpse of the Kofun period within easy reach of the Nagoya suburbs.
Highlights
- ●A circular burial mound remaining on the hills at the foot of Mount Hakusan
- ●One of the mounds forming the Oyama Kofun cluster
- ●A historic site offering a taste of the Kofun period near Nagoya
- ●A natural setting to enjoy alongside the greenery of the surrounding hills
History
Kitashinike Kofun is a circular kofun belonging to the Oyama Kofun cluster spread across the foot of Mount Hakusan in Komaki City. The Oyama cluster is a group of several burial mounds, and Kitashinike Kofun, as one of them, testifies to the activity of Kofun-period people in this area. A circular kofun (enpun) is a type of mound with a round plan, a form widely distributed across Japan. For details such as the interred and the date of construction, please consult on-site information boards or official sources from Komaki City.
Access
The site is located in Komaki City, Aichi. It stands on the hilly terrain at the foot of Mount Hakusan, occupying one corner of the Oyama Kofun cluster. Komaki lies to the north of Nagoya and can be reached by rail, bus, or car from the Nagoya direction. As the mound sits amid the greenery of the hills, sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Please check viewing routes and parking availability in advance through official information.
Best season
As an outdoor historic site, spring, when the vegetation is not yet overgrown, and clear-aired autumn are recommended for observing the shape of the mound. In summer, bring insect repellent and stay hydrated; after rain, watch your footing as it can be slippery. The visit pairs well with the natural surroundings of the hills.
Map
35.3218, 136.9950 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Reach the foot of Mount Hakusan in Komaki from the Nagoya direction
- 2Check the Oyama Kofun cluster guidance and head to the Kitashinike mound
- 3Observe the circular form and reflect on Kofun-period life
- 4Walk the natural surroundings of the hills for a quiet tour of historic sites
Did you know?
💡 The name Kitashinike is thought to derive from a nearby pond, suggesting the mound has long been familiar to locals alongside its place name. The survival of several mounds together, as in the Oyama Kofun cluster, speaks to the area's importance during the Kofun period.
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