Kiusu Earthwork Burial Circles

Chitose, Japan

Designated a national historic site in 1979 and again in 2019, the Kiusu Earthwork Burial Circles is a collection of mass graves constructed about 3,200 years ago. These eight burial mounds are still visible from ground level, a rarity among prehistoric cultures throughout the world. As a result, visitors can explore these burials and catch a rare glimpse into the social life and funerary practices of an era with few materials remain. Discover the deep connection between the living world and the dead at this archeological site. 

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Address

Chitose, Japan
See all sites in Chitose

Details

Founded: 1200 BCE
Category: Cemeteries, mausoleums and burial places in Japan

More Information

en.visit-hokkaido.jp

Rating

3.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

初花さなえ (2 years ago)
This is the northernmost site of the World Heritage Site ``Jomon Ruins in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku'' and is the site of a mass graveyard (ceremonial site) that appeared in Hokkaido during the late Jomon period. Giant stone circles like the Washinoki ruins were built in Hokkaido even before this ruin, near the coast, where interaction with other regions is thought to have been active. It also appeared that the construction method had changed to a unique method of mounding up the excavated soil. The surrounding embankment has a C-shaped entrance and exit, and a grave path leading to it has also been excavated. They were divided into several groups, the surrounding embankments were shared (overlapping), and the newer they were, the larger they became. The circumferential embankment we visited, with an outer diameter of approximately 80 to 50 meters, was not very high, but it had a sense of scale that was incomparable to the mass tombs of the Kofun period. The nearby Chitose City Buried Cultural Properties Center is a guidance facility. Although it is a little far away, we recommend the Hokkaido Buried Cultural Properties Center in Ebetsu City, which has many excavated items and dioramas of surrounding ruins on display.
恵庭ハム (2 years ago)
Free tour, parking available A friendly guide will show you around There are no visible graves You can enjoy the feeling of forest bathing. You can spend time in a space that is not crowded on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tower Harappa (太陽の塔) (2 years ago)
I was overwhelmed, probably because there were more Zhoudi tombs than I expected and the difference in height was deep. I was impressed by the human-powered construction. The area has a well-maintained environment with many large trees, so you can enjoy forest bathing.
初花さなえ (2 years ago)
This is the northernmost site of the World Heritage Site ``Jomon Ruins in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku'' and is the site of a mass graveyard (ceremonial site) that appeared in Hokkaido during the late Jomon period. Giant stone circles like the Washinoki ruins were built in Hokkaido even before this ruin, near the coast, where interaction with other regions is thought to have been active. It also appeared that the construction method had changed to a unique method of mounding up the excavated soil. The surrounding embankment has a C-shaped entrance and exit, and a grave path leading to it has also been excavated. They were divided into several groups, the surrounding embankments were shared (overlapping), and the newer they were, the larger they became. The circumferential embankment we visited, with an outer diameter of approximately 80 to 50 meters, was not very high, but it had a sense of scale that was incomparable to the mass tombs of the Kofun period. The nearby Chitose City Buried Cultural Properties Center is a guidance facility. Although it is a little far away, we recommend the Hokkaido Buried Cultural Properties Center in Ebetsu City, which has many excavated items and dioramas of surrounding ruins on display.
眞下誠 (2 years ago)
Exit the Chitose Higashi Interchange toll gate and turn left onto Hokkaido National Route 337, and you will arrive in 1 minute. We entered and toured from the free gravel parking lot, but you can get a better feel of Shuzui Tomb from the sidewalk on the national highway. Free guides are also available on site.
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