Urama Chausuyama Kofun

A Great Early Keyhole Tomb of Kibi

The Urama Chausuyama Kofun (浦間茶臼山古墳) is an early Kofun-period keyhole-shaped tomb at Urama and Asakawa, Higashi Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, designated a Historic Site in 1974.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs lists it under the criterion for shell mounds, settlements, tombs and similar sites.

The Agency calls it a representative early Kofun tomb of the Kibi region along the San'yodo.

The Mound

According to the Agency, it stands at the tip of a low hill on the right bank of the lower Yoshii River in eastern Okayama, with the front mound facing east. About 125 metres long and built in three tiers, it keeps its shape well.

The burial was robbed in the Meiji era and its details are unclear, but a pit-style stone chamber is thought to have lain across the axis on top of the rear mound. Most finds were dispersed, though bronze arrowheads are known.

What to Look For

Okayama City describes an early form with a front mound flaring like a plectrum, giving the length as about 138 metres, and notes finds of magatama beads, bronze arrowheads, a mirror and special cylindrical haniwa.

The three-tiered mound and flaring front convey the form of a large early Kofun-period tomb.

Visiting the Urama Chausuyama Kofun

Okayama City lists the city board of education and private owners as owners and managers. No official visitor information could be found.

Enquiries go to the Okayama City board of education.