Chibusan Burial Mound

Chibusan Burial Mound dates to the Kofun period, roughly 300 to 538 CE, and contains a burial chamber painted with vivid red, white, and black geometric patterns using iron oxide, clay, and manganese pigments. The chamber's triangular shapes are thought to ward off evil spirits, while two white circles with black dots have been interpreted as stars, mirrors, or breasts. A humanlike figure with outstretched arms appears on one slab. Advance reservations are required to view the interior, which can only be seen through a window. A nearby site called the Nabeta Caves holds 61 similarly dated chambers.