Structure and Distinctive Features of Ushiro-Futago Kofun
Ushiro-Futago Kofun is a two-tiered keyhole-shaped burial mound measuring approximately 85 meters in length. Its main axis is oriented approximately 110 degrees northeast.
Part of the mound was created by cutting into the natural ground, while a shield-shaped moat surrounds the burial mound. Including the moat, the entire complex extends approximately 106 meters.
The scale and carefully planned construction demonstrate the sophisticated earthmoving and engineering techniques available during the Kofun period.
A Distinctive Shimotsuke-Type Design
One of the most notable features is the unusual arrangement in which a large first tier supports a smaller second tier.
This style is characteristic of what archaeologists call a Shimotsuke-type kofun, a form particularly associated with present-day Tochigi Prefecture. Its presence here provides important evidence of cultural exchange and the spread of construction techniques between the ancient Kenu region and neighboring areas.
An Ingeniously Designed Stone Burial Chamber
The burial facility is a semi-underground, double-sided side-entrance stone chamber that opens toward the south. The surviving chamber measures approximately 9 meters in length, with an inner chamber about 2.2 meters high and 2.7 meters wide.
By constructing the burial chamber relatively low within the ground, the builders could reduce the amount of earth required to create the mound. This practical approach demonstrates the efficient design and engineering knowledge of the period.
Evidence of Funerary Rituals
Excavations of the approach and terrace in front of the stone chamber uncovered Haji ware and Sue ware pottery, a small knife, iron slag, and other materials.
Evidence of cooking activities was also found. These discoveries suggest that funerary ceremonies were conducted in front of the stone chamber, providing valuable clues about the rituals and customs associated with burial in the 6th century.
The archaeological evidence allows visitors to imagine not only the tomb itself but also the ceremonies and communal activities that once took place around it.
Rare Artifacts and Clues about the People Buried Here
The grave goods discovered at Ushiro-Futago Kofun are less numerous than those found at Mae-Futago Kofun, but they include a sword, horse equipment, earrings, and pottery.
Approximately 400 cylindrical haniwa are also believed to have originally stood around the mound.
A Rare Haniwa Depicting Monkeys and a Dog
One of the most remarkable discoveries is a cylindrical haniwa decorated with small figures of a parent monkey and its young, accompanied by a dog chasing them.
Haniwa with this type of attached miniature figures are exceptionally rare. Only three examples are known in Japan, and all three were discovered in Gunma Prefecture.
This unusual artifact is regarded as an important example of the distinctive haniwa culture that developed in the region and offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistic imagination of Kofun-period craftsmen.
Evidence of Multiple Burials
Analysis of teeth discovered in the stone chamber suggests that an adult woman may have been among those buried here.
The number of earrings discovered indicates that at least six individuals may have been buried in the tomb. This has led archaeologists to suggest that Ushiro-Futago Kofun may have served as a family or clan burial site.
Exploring the Site as Omuro Park
The Omuro Kofun Burial Mounds are now preserved within Omuro Park, which has been selected as one of the 100 Best Historical Parks in Japan.
The spacious park combines archaeological sites with natural landscapes and offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy history and nature in the same setting.
In addition to the restored Naka-Futago Kofun and Ko-Futago Kofun, the park includes several themed areas, such as the Plaza of Time with its water clock, the Stone Chamber Zone where the sound of a traditional water-powered suisen-kutsu can be heard, and the Waterfront Zone where visitors can observe and interact with aquatic wildlife.
Omuro Haniwa Museum and Traditional Houses
The Omuro Haniwa Museum, located within the park’s traditional house area, displays replicas of archaeological discoveries and related materials. Three-dimensional video presentations introduce the history and features of the Omuro Kofun group in an accessible way.
The facility also includes displays of haniwa-making activities created by local citizen volunteers, providing an opportunity to learn about ancient artifacts through a more hands-on perspective.
The Former Sekine Residence
The relocated and reconstructed Former Sekine Residence is a traditional sericulture farmhouse that offers a glimpse into everyday life at the southern foot of Mount Akagi in earlier times.
Visiting the house alongside the ancient burial mounds creates an interesting contrast between the lives of people who lived in the region centuries apart.
A Journey into Ancient Japan Among Nature
The Omuro Kofun Burial Mounds, set against the backdrop of Mount Akagi, preserve valuable evidence of the power of the ancient Kenu clans as well as the cultural connections that existed during the Kofun period.
Entering the stone burial chamber of Ushiro-Futago Kofun offers a particularly vivid experience. The narrow, quiet space can create the feeling of stepping back through time and encountering the world of ancient Japan directly.
Surrounded by seasonal scenery, visitors can explore archaeological remains while enjoying the peaceful natural environment of Omuro Park.
For travelers interested in Japanese archaeology, ancient history, traditional culture, and nature, Ushiro-Futago Kofun and the surrounding Omuro Park offer a distinctive opportunity to experience both the history and landscape of Maebashi.