Marishitenzuka Kofun

The Marishitenzuka 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 south of the Biwazuka Kofun, which is of almost identical size and orientation to the south-southwest.

The Marishitenzuka Kofun is the third largest in the prefecture. The tumulus is build in three tiers. A small chapel to Marishi-ten is located on its summit. The tumulus is surrounded by a moat with a width of 20 meters, which is a double moat in places. The National Historic Site designation was expanded in 2002 to cover the remnants of the moats.

• Overall length: 120 meters
• Rear circle: 70 meter diameter x 10 meter high
• Front width: 70 meters x 6 meters high

From fragments of cylindrical haniwa, it is estimated that this kofun dates from the late 5th 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 Tōhoku Shinkansen.

• List of Historic Sites of Japan (Tochigi)

Media related to Marishitenzuka-kofun at Wikimedia Commons

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