The Development of Kofun Culture at the Foot of Mount Akagi
The Omuro Kofun group consists primarily of four large keyhole-shaped tombs: Mae-Futago Kofun, Naka-Futago Kofun, Ushiro-Futago Kofun, and Ko-Futago Kofun.
Their construction is generally believed to have taken place in the following sequence: Mae-Futago Kofun in the early 6th century, Naka-Futago Kofun in the first half of the 6th century, and Ushiro-Futago Kofun and Ko-Futago Kofun in the latter half of the 6th century.
The succession of tombs provides clues about the changing regional power structure and the continuation of influential families over several generations.
The tombs were constructed with their main axes oriented toward the northeast and featured double moats with shield-shaped outlines. These elaborate designs demonstrate the advanced engineering skills of the Kofun period as well as the social authority represented by large burial mounds.
Among them, Naka-Futago Kofun is the largest, measuring approximately 111 meters in length, and its impressive scale provides a strong impression of the power of the people buried here.
Mae-Futago Kofun: A Landmark in Archaeological Research
Mae-Futago Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound approximately 94 meters long. It contains a stone burial chamber with a side-entrance design.
The chamber was opened in 1878, during the Meiji period, and numerous burial objects were discovered. These included gold earrings, glass beads, weapons, horse equipment, Sue ware, and Haji ware pottery, providing valuable evidence of the high social status of the person buried there.
Ernest Satow and Early Scientific Investigation
The British diplomat Ernest Satow visited the excavation and carefully recorded the circumstances of the discoveries. He also conducted scientific analysis of the red pigment found at the site.
This investigation is considered noteworthy in the history of Japanese archaeology as an early example of applying scientific methods to archaeological materials.
Today, the stone burial chamber has been made accessible to visitors. Entering the narrow passage that extends deep into the mound offers a vivid impression of the burial practices and beliefs of ancient Japan.
Naka-Futago Kofun: The Largest and Most Imposing Tomb
Naka-Futago Kofun is the largest of the Omuro burial mounds, measuring approximately 111 meters long. Double moats and a central bank surround the mound, while its surface was originally covered with stones.
It is estimated that approximately 3,000 haniwa figures once stood around the mound. Reconstructions now allow visitors to see examples of shield-bearing figures and other figurative haniwa representing weapons and armor.
Analysis of the clay used to make some of the haniwa suggests that they may have been produced at kilns in the Fujioka area. This possibility provides evidence of wider regional connections and movement of goods during the Kofun period.
The beautiful reconstructed landscape also attracted attention as a filming location for a television commercial in 2020.
Ushiro-Futago Kofun: An Ingeniously Designed Burial Chamber
Ushiro-Futago Kofun is a keyhole-shaped mound approximately 85 meters long. It contains a partially underground, side-entrance stone burial chamber.
The mound has a distinctive structure in which a large first tier supports a smaller upper tier. This construction is associated with a style known as a Shimotsuke-type kofun.
Evidence of cooking activities was found in front of the stone chamber, providing clues about ceremonies conducted as part of the burial process. These remains have been reconstructed to help visitors understand the rituals associated with the tomb.
A Rare Haniwa Discovery
One particularly unusual artifact is a cylindrical haniwa decorated with small figures of a monkey and its young offspring, along with a dog. Such an example is extremely rare and is considered an important archaeological material found only in Gunma Prefecture.
Ko-Futago Kofun: A Reconstructed Haniwa Display
Ko-Futago Kofun is considerably smaller than the other major tombs, measuring approximately 38 meters in length. It is believed to have been constructed around the same period as Ushiro-Futago Kofun.
Following extensive archaeological excavation, the mound was reconstructed to closely resemble its original appearance. Rows of haniwa have also been recreated on the mound, giving visitors an idea of how the site may have looked during the Kofun period.
Artifacts discovered in the stone chamber include earrings, a straight sword, and iron arrowheads. Evidence of rituals conducted in front of the tomb has also been identified.
The site provides an accessible way to explore ancient Japanese burial customs and religious practices.
Exploring the Omuro Kofun Group as Omuro Park
Today, the area surrounding the Omuro Kofun Burial Mounds has been developed as Omuro Park, a large recreational and cultural park where visitors can experience both history and nature.
The park includes several distinctive areas, such as the Hill of Passing Winds, Plaza of Time, Stone Chamber Zone, and Waterfront Zone.
Traditional Houses and Ancient Dwellings
The traditional house area features the Former Sekine Residence, an Akagi-style sericulture farmhouse designated as a Maebashi City Important Cultural Property. The building has been relocated and reconstructed within the park and is open to visitors.
Reconstructed examples of ancient dwellings are also displayed, allowing visitors to compare living environments from different periods of Japanese history.
Omuro Haniwa Museum
At the Omuro Haniwa Museum, visitors can learn about the burial mounds through 3D video presentations and replica displays of archaeological finds.
The museum offers an easy-to-understand introduction to the Omuro Kofun group and is particularly useful for families and visitors who want additional context before exploring the archaeological sites.
Nature and Seasonal Scenery
Beyond its archaeological attractions, Omuro Park offers beautiful seasonal scenery. Fresh green foliage appears in spring, colorful leaves decorate the park in autumn, and expansive cosmos flower fields add vivid color to the landscape.
The combination of ancient tombs, open green spaces, and seasonal flowers creates an unusual setting where visitors can explore history while enjoying the outdoors.
Access
By Car
The Omuro Kofun group is approximately 3.6 kilometers from Hashie Smart Interchange on the Kita-Kanto Expressway, or about 10 minutes by car. It is approximately 5 kilometers from Isesaki Interchange, also about 10 minutes by car.
By Public Transportation
From Ogo Station on the Jomo Electric Railway, the site is approximately 10 minutes by taxi.
From JR Isesaki Station, it takes approximately 20 minutes by taxi.
A Journey into Ancient Japanese History
The Omuro Kofun Burial Mounds are an important cultural heritage site that preserves evidence of the powerful clans who lived in the Kenu region during the 6th century.
Walking through the expansive park, entering an ancient stone burial chamber, and viewing reconstructed haniwa provide a tangible connection with a period of Japanese history more than 1,400 years ago.
Combined with the magnificent scenery of Mount Akagi and the natural surroundings of Omuro Park, the site offers travelers a fascinating opportunity to experience both the archaeological heritage and the landscape of the Maebashi region.