Mashiko · JP

Hoshi no Miya Senganzuka Kofun

Hoshi no Miya Senganzuka Kofun is a remarkably well-preserved keyhole-shaped burial mound from the 4th century, sitting atop a terrace overlooking the Kokigawa River valley within the grounds of Mashiko Hosei High School. At roughly 52 meters long, it is one of only about 22 known rectangular keyhole tombs (zenpō-kōhō-fun) of its type preserved in all of Tochigi Prefecture — and one of the rare few whose mound remains in near-intact condition. Designated a Tochigi Prefectural Historic Site in 2016 after years of careful stewardship by the school community, this kofun offers an intimate encounter with ancient Japan in a setting unlike any typical archaeological park. Visitors can view the grass-covered mound from outside the school fence, and the local pottery town of Mashiko provides an easy companion stop.