Overview
Ōnariko Kofun is a square burial mound from the early Kofun period, located in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture. Together with Tsukuriyama Kofun No. 1, which belongs to the same Arashima tomb cluster, it ranks among the largest square kofun of its era in all of Japan. This four-sided mound is designated a National Historic Site as part of the Arashima Kofun Cluster, and it remains a precious relic conveying the presence of an ancient chieftain who amassed power in eastern Izumo.
Highlights
- ●A scale ranking among the largest square kofun of the early Kofun period nationwide
- ●A vertical stone chamber said to be its burial facility
- ●A setting that forms the Arashima tomb cluster together with Tsukuriyama No. 1
- ●Its value as a designated National Historic Site within the Arashima Kofun Cluster
History
Ōnariko Kofun is a square mound built in the early Kofun period, said to hold a vertical stone chamber as its burial facility. It forms the Arashima tomb cluster together with mounds such as Tsukuriyama No. 1, and because it is one of the largest square kofun of its era in the country, it is thought to be the resting place of a chieftain who held strong power in this land. In an age when keyhole-shaped mounds were being built vigorously across the country, the choice to build a large-scale square mound hints at the distinctive character of ancient society in eastern Izumo. It is protected as a National Historic Site as part of the Arashima Kofun Cluster.
Access
The tomb is located in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture. Using JR Yasugi Station as a base and heading for the Arashima Kofun Cluster area around Arashima Station is the easiest approach. Because historic sites can lie close to residential areas or farmland, visiting by car is convenient. Please check Yasugi City's official information about viewing paths, parking, and access conditions before you go.
Best season
Spring and autumn, when the vegetation is settled and the shape of the mound is easy to see and walk, are recommended. In summer the grass grows thick and insects increase, so easy-to-walk clothing is reassuring. San'in winters bring changeable weather, so choose a sunny day for your visit. A relaxed plan touring the surrounding Arashima Kofun Cluster together suits it well.
Map
35.4303, 133.2064 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head to the Arashima Kofun Cluster area using JR Yasugi or Arashima Station as a base
- 2Visit Ōnariko Kofun and observe the four-sided shape of the square mound up close
- 3Tour nearby mounds such as Tsukuriyama No. 1 to sense the spread of the cluster
- 4Deepen your understanding of ancient Izumo history with historic sites and exhibits in Yasugi City
Did you know?
💡 In the early Kofun period, when keyhole-shaped mounds were seen as symbols of power, Ōnariko Kofun boasts an exceptional scale, ranking among the largest in the country despite being a square mound. Standing shoulder to shoulder with Tsukuriyama No. 1 in the same Arashima tomb cluster, this scale tells of the power of ancient chieftains who built a distinctive base in eastern Izumo.
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