Japan: Chikuma City (Mori Shogunzuka Kofun) (*)

Chikuma city located within the Nagano Prefecture in Japan has an incredible amount of historic sites despite its small size. Located in the hills of Chikuma city is the Mori Shogunzuka Kofun, a megalithic tomb constructed during the 4th century. There are approximately 30,000 kofun mound tombs in Japan dating from the 3rd century to the 7th century A.D. These tombs gave their name to the Kofun period (middle 3rd century to early-middle 6th century) and many of them have distinctive keyhole-shaped mounds which are unique to ancient Japan.

The Mori Shogunzuka Kofun measures approximately 100 meters long and was designated as a Historic Site in 1971. It was completely excavated, repaired and rebuilt in the original shape during 1981-1991. During the excavation, a pit style stone chamber was found in the rear mound. The floor space of the chamber is presumed to be one of the largest in Japan. Unfortunately, it was plundered by pot-hunters who only left behind some fragments of iron weapons, a bronze mirror and some farming tools. There are 76 small tombs and 13 small tumuli surrounding the kofun. It is believed that these were constructed afterwards by the relatives and descendants of the chieftain buried in the main chamber. 

 

 

 

 

At the base of the hill, you will find the Shinano no Sato Historic Park with a replica village from that time period along with the Mori Shogunzuka Museum and the Nagano Prefectural Museum of History.

 

 

 

The Shinano no Sato Historic Park replica village features a series of pit-houses, primitive dwellings dug into the ground and roofed over. Besides providing shelter from Nagano’s extreme winters, these structures were also used to store food and for cultural activities. 

 Inside of the pit house

 

 The beginning of the pathway to the top

 

View of Chikuma City from the top of the hill

It is approximately a 20-minute walk from the village to the mound where the kofun is situated. Steep slopes make up the longer path to the top and attract many hikers. The designated short cuts are even steeper and more precarious to navigate. One can visit the village and hike up to the kofun free of charge.