Kamezuka Kofun Park & Amabe Kofun Museum

Overview

Kamezuka Kofun is a keyhole-shaped tumulus located in Sato, Oita City, Oita Prefecture. Designated as a national historic site, it ranks among the largest in Oita Prefecture, alongside the Kogumayama Kofun. Estimated to have been built in the early 5th century within the territory of Bun'go Province, it has long been believed to be the tomb of an Amabe king. The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) records the establishment of an 'Amabe' (sea people) group in this area, suggesting the burial of a clan chief. The kofun, oriented south at the front, is a three-tiered structure measuring 116 meters in length (52 meters at the front, 64 meters in diameter at the rear), with a height of 7 meters at the front and 10 meters at the rear—truly awe-inspiring in scale. The tumulus is covered with white quartzite stones, and two burial chambers are located at the summit of the front section. Despite previous looting, excavated artifacts include fragments of lamellar armor and iron swords, serpentine beads, jadeite tube beads, and small glass beads. Designated a national historic site in 1996, it has been developed as Kamezuka Kofun Park, with partial reconstruction showcasing the original appearance through replicas of stones and haniwa (clay figures). The Amabe Kofun Museum displays artifacts excavated from Kamezuka Kofun, as well as informative dioramas about kofun throughout Oita Prefecture. Well-maintained walking paths wind through the park, allowing visitors to explore the kofun and experience the romance of ancient Japan.