【Shidami Kofun Historical Village】Experience Ancient Japan in a Vast Burial Mound Landscape

A Hill Where the Breath of Antiquity Still Lingers—Stories Told by 66 Burial Mounds

Spread across the hilly area of Moriyama Ward in Nagoya, the “Shidami Kofun Group Historic Village” is a nationally rare site where a large number of burial mounds remain, built over a span of about 300 years from the early to the final stages of the Kofun period.

From the foot of Mount Tōgoku to the banks of the Shōnai River, this area was once home to many burial mounds, and 66 have been confirmed to this day. Among them are seven designated as National Historic Sites. Their forms are remarkably diverse—keyhole-shaped mounds, scallop-shaped mounds, round mounds, and square mounds—each reflecting the characteristics of its era.

One of the most representative examples, the Shidami Ōtsuka Kofun, is a scallop-shaped burial mound measuring about 51 meters in length. Splendid grave goods were excavated there, including armor, horse trappings, a mirror with bells attached, and Sue ware used for rituals. The nature of these artifacts suggests connections with the Kinai region.

Spending time among these hills, where ancient people still rest, feels almost like traveling back 1,500 years into the past.

Walk with a Guide, and the Kofun Become Even More Fascinating

If you want to fully enjoy the “Shidami Kofun Group Historic Village,” the guided kofun tour led by staff is not to be missed.

Different routes are offered in the morning and afternoon, featuring mounds such as the Shidami Ōtsuka Kofun, Ōkute No. 5 Kofun, and Shiratorizuka Kofun. As you walk through the forest, climb the hills, and observe the shapes and layouts up close, you can truly appreciate the scale and strategic placement of the mounds in a way that maps and photographs alone cannot convey.

The guides explain not only the techniques used in construction, but also the meaning of the excavated artifacts and the broader social background of the time. Hearing about the arrangement of the fukiishi stones and the role of haniwa on-site brings the story vividly to life, almost like a scene from a historical drama. Even those without a deep knowledge of history will find themselves drawn in, and time is sure to fly by. The content is so rich that it is hard to believe the tour is free, and it is easy to see why so many people return.

In the “Hands-on Activity Room,” a variety of programs are offered on a rotating basis. Visitors can try making haniwa, magatama, kudatama, and more—special experiences that go beyond simple sightseeing. The feel of kneading clay and the weight of ancient costumes help bring everyday life from 1,500 years ago vividly to mind. Best of all, you can take your handmade creations home with you.

For younger children, there is also “Kodomo Kofun,” where they can encounter history through play with kofun-shaped playground equipment and mini haniwa. One of the great attractions of the site is that each family member can enjoy it in their own way.

Unraveling the World of the Kofun Through Models and Real Artifacts

The first-floor exhibition room is the place where visitors can gain an overall understanding of the “Shidami Kofun Group Historic Village” and discover its many attractions.

As soon as you enter, a video guide on a large screen invites you into the world of ancient Japan. It clearly explains the origins of the Kofun period and the history of Shidami, building anticipation for the exhibits that follow.

The exhibition space features miniature models of burial mounds alongside actual haniwa and pottery. Among the highlights are one of the oldest morning-glory-shaped haniwa in the Tokai region, the bell-adorned mirror excavated from the Shidami Ōtsuka Kofun, and Sue ware used in rituals. Their refined craftsmanship reveals the sophistication of ancient technology and the depth of spiritual belief.

Full-scale reconstructed haniwa can even be touched, allowing visitors to experience their texture and weight in a way that photographs alone never could. With abundant explanatory panels and photographs, the exhibits are easy to understand even without specialist knowledge. There is also an area where you can try on ancient costumes, offering a more tangible sense of the lives and culture of the people of the time.

Special exhibitions with changing themes are also held throughout the year. Whether focused on a particular burial mound or the latest excavation findings, they offer fresh ways to explore history each time. More than just a display of artifacts, this space serves as a place of connection, bringing the lives and prayers of ancient people into the present and deepening visitors’ understanding after their tour.

Ancient-Themed Goods You Can Only Find at Shidamyu

Located next to the general information desk on the first floor, the museum shop is the perfect place to take home a lasting memory of your visit to the Shidami Kofun Group.

The shelves and display cases are filled with charming original goods inspired by the facility’s characters, “Shidamiko-chan” and “Haniwa Ujitakeru.” The selection is wide-ranging, from practical everyday items such as badge pins, clear files, mugs, eco-bags, and smartphone cleaners to decorative souvenirs you will want to keep as travel mementos. The designs beautifully blend ancient motifs with playful charm, making them popular with both children and adults.

For children, there is also a good selection of coloring books and stationery, making ideal souvenirs that can naturally spark an interest in kofun culture even after they return home. History enthusiasts, meanwhile, should not miss the accessories and small goods modeled after excavated artifacts. Intricately crafted replicas, in particular, can instantly bring back memories of the site in everyday life.

Many of the goods are exclusive items available only here. If you stop by after finishing the exhibits, you will find motifs of the haniwa and mirrors you have just seen on display, allowing the experience to come vividly back to life on the spot.