Kurizuka Tomb (Kurizuka Kofun)

The Kurizuka kofun sits just east of the Emperor Ojin tomb in Osaka and is thought to be a subsidiary mound constructed at the same time. Archaeologists note that the two mounds share parallel axes and were once bordered by rows of haniwa terracotta figures. A small excavation permitted on the south and west sides in 1988 revealed the original mound had two tiers with straight sloping sides covered in fist-sized stones and encircled by haniwa. The Imperial Household Agency has not permitted full excavation. Standing 15 meters high and covering about 0.11 hectares, the mound is a tangible piece of Japan's ancient burial traditions.