Iwase-senzuka Tumulus Cluster β

My suggestion for Overseas Tourists

I would like to advise you to visit Iwase-senzuka Tumulus Cluster in Wakayama City, if you are interested in Japanese ancient history. The following is the four reasons I offer to you.

  • You can freely enter burial stone chambers and observe the structure built around 1,500 years ago.
  • You can enjoy comfortable walking through groves where hundreds of kofun tumuli are situated.
  • You can see unique haniwa clay figures unearthed at Iwase and designated as National Important Cultural Assets
  • You can learn various things about the local ancient history from an English-speaking volunteer guide for free if you get an appointment. (update: Mar. 6, 2024)

Examples of what you can see at Iwase

Maeyama-A-99
The front side of Maeyama-A-99 Kofun Tumulus
Double-faced Man Haniwa
Haniwa of a man with two faces.
Walking Path
One of walking paths through Clustered Tumuli.

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Introduction of Iwase-senzuka Tumulus Cluster

This amazing historic site is located at hills near the south bank of Kinokawa River in Wakayama City. The place has around 900 kofun tumuli including 27 keyhole-shaped kofun tumuli. The central part of the area with 500 kofun tumuli is officially designated as one of special historic landmarks in Japan.

The official name of the remains of prehistoric tombs in Japanese is "Iwase-senzuka Kofun-gun." Iwase is the place name as one of districts in the city and "senzuka" means "a thousand mounds." "Kofun," which means "old mound" is a technical term for "burial mounds built in the Kofun Period, the mid 3rd century to the 7th century. "Gun" means "cluster." (update: Mar. 8, 2024)

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About Kiifudoki-no-oka Museum

A museum is attached to Iwase Tumulus Cluster. The official name of the facility for visitors (Wakayama Prefectural Museum Kiifudoki-no-oka) may also need to be explained. "Kii" is a traditional name for present Wakayama Prefecture area since the 8th century. While "fudoki" is originally a name for local gazetteers officially compiled in the 8th century, "fudoki-no-oka" meaning "a hill of fudoki" became a name for 16 archeological museums which have been founded after 1967 all over Japan. (update: Mar. 8, 2024)

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