Yata Otsuka Burial Mound (箭田大塚古墳)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A round burial mound from the late Kofun period in Yata, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, designated a national historic site. The highlight is the corridor-style stone chamber built up from enormous stones; look in at the entrance and air so cool it makes the heat outside seem imaginary comes flowing out. Standing before the real thing, even adults are startled to think how stones of this size were carried and stacked more than 1,300 years ago. The surroundings are a quiet settlement, and the very fact that an ancient site survives right beside a residential area speaks to the depth of this land's history. It can be seen in a short visit, making it a perfect stop to open the day.

Tips

Whether you can enter the stone chamber varies by day and by maintenance conditions, so follow the on-site signage. The ground is earth and stone and can turn muddy, so wear shoes you do not mind dirtying. A torch lets you see deep into the chamber and completely changes how children react. The local roads nearby are narrow, so if you come by car it is reassuring to check where you can park in advance.

Best time to visit

About 45 minutes. Early in the morning, while the sunlight is still weak, is best

Access & map

〒710-1301 岡山県倉敷市真備町箭田