Biwazuka Kofun

The Biwazuka Kofun is located in the Iizuka neighborhood of Oyama, on a narrow plateau between the Oshi and Sugata rivers, which run north and south through the northern Kantō Plain. This area was the central region of ancient Shimotsuke province, and contains many kofun and the ruins of the provincial capital and provincial temple (kokubunji). The Marishitenzuka Kofun is located 100 meters north of the Marishitenzuka Kofun, which is of almost identical size and orientation to the south-southwest.

The Biwazuka Kofun uses a natural hill as its base. As a result of an excavation survey in 1977, it was confirmed to have a total length of about 123 meters, making it the second largest in the prefecture. The tumulus is built in three tiers. The tumulus is surrounded by a moat, ranging from 18 to 20 meters in width. The National Historic Site designation was expanded in 1981 to encompass the moat area.

• Overall length: 123 meters
• Rear circle: 75 meter diameter x 11 meters high
• Front width: 70 meters x 9 meters high

From fragments of cylindrical haniwa found in the moat in 2013, it is estimated that this kofun dates from the first half of the 6th century. Recovered artifacts are on display at the Marishitenzuka-Biwazuka Kofun Museum in Oyama.

It is located approximately 15 minutes by car from Oyama Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen.

• List of Historic Sites of Japan (Tochigi)

Media related to Biwazuka-kofun at Wikimedia Commons

• Tochigi Tourist Information (in Japanese)
• Oyama city home page (in Japanese)