Ubusunayama Tomb
The Ubusunayama Tomb is a large round burial mound that was built in the mid-fifth century. Researchers believe the entombed is the successor to the ruler of the Tango kingdom interred at Shinmeiyama Tomb. The shape and scale of the mound, which is 55 meters in diameter, indicate that this region was still powerful, but not as prosperous as it had been one generation earlier.
The mound overlooks the Sea of Japan, where the ancient kingdom engaged in maritime commerce. The entombed was likely a strong military leader in a position to oversee trade with the Asian continent. The mound was covered in round stones called fukiishi, and was decorated with haniwa (terracotta funerary objects). Today, grass covers the mound, and a very small shrine is located at the top.
During 1939 excavations, researchers discovered a stone coffin and many burial goods, including a terra-cotta pillow holding hair remnants. Additionally, the king’s coffin contained a bronze mirror; a comb; beads of jade, jasper, agate, and glass; wooden bows; a sword with deer antler inlaid in the handle; and a number of other artifacts. Inside the burial chamber, body armor, an iron sword, and iron arrowheads were found. The Ubusunayama Tomb and its well-preserved contents were of great value to researchers.
The king’s coffin has been reinterred and lies within the burial mound today. Replicas of some burial goods from the Ubusunayama Tomb are on display at the nearby Ancient Tango Village Museum.