③Maruhakayama Kofun

　With a diameter of 105 meters, the circular burial mound is one of the biggest of its kind in Japan. It is the tallest among the Sakitama Kofun Cluster, and is also said to comprise the largest volume of earth. Based upon unearthed haniwa sculptures, it is estimated to have been built during the first half of the sixth century.

　The exact details of its burial chambers remain unknown. Some haniwa sculptures, including clay cylinders and human figures, however, have been excavated.

Human figure haniwa sculpture

　The road leading south from the burial mound is actually the remains of an embankment, called Ishida Zutsumi, constructed in 1590 in the midst of war at the behest of a distinguished warrior of the period, Ishida Mitsunari, in an apparent attempt to flood Oshi Castle, located in the present Gyoda City. It is said that Ishida established his main camp at the top of the burial mound during the war. Nowadays, visitors are allowed to climb to the top of the mound, and take in the majestic views of the castle remains below.

Ishida-zutsumi embankment

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