At first glance, they looked like ordinary hills, grassy, rounded, and peaceful. But tucked behind a quiet neighborhood and hidden deep in the forest were two of the most surprising kofun burial mounds in Saga, ancient tombs dating back over 1,500 years. These massive earthworks, part of the mysterious world of ancient tombs in Japan, were once built for powerful leaders. Visiting these Japanese burial mounds for kids isn’t about signs or exhibits, it’s about imagination. These quiet, unmarked sites are some of the most unexpectedly family-friendly historical sites in Japan, and exploring the forgotten kofun in Saga felt like stepping into a story the land still remembers.
This post is part of our ongoing Luca & Nico’s Travel Journal series, inspired by our actual adventures, interactions, and discoveries in Japan with kids.
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To give you a real sense of what it’s like to experience Kofun Burial Mounds through young eyes, here’s what Luca and Nico had to say about our visit.
Luca’s Journal Entry
Dear Journal,
When we first saw them from the road, I thought they were just hills. Big grassy bumps in the middle of nowhere. But the closer we got, the more I noticed something different. These weren’t normal hills. They were still. Quiet in a strange way. Like the air around them was waiting. Papa said they were kofun burial mounds, ancient tombs where leaders from over 1,500 years ago were buried. We didn’t see any fences or signs, just a path leading to one, and another mound hidden deeper in the forest. I was already curious. But Nico? He was ready to dig for treasure. That’s when we saw a small opening at the base of the mound. Like a secret cave. Nico dropped to the ground and crawled right in. I froze. I couldn’t stop thinking, “What if we’re not supposed to be here?” Mama just smiled and said, “It’s okay to be curious. Just go slowly.” So I followed. Inside, it was cool and damp, and roots twisted through the walls like veins. We didn’t say anything. We just sat. And somehow, it felt calm. Like we were listening, and the earth was listening back.
~ Luca
Nico’s Journal Entry
Dear Journal,
I thought they were dragon bumps. Or sleeping hills. Then Papa said, “These are ancient tombs.” So obviously, I decided someone awesome was buried inside. Maybe a samurai wizard. Maybe a ninja king. Maybe BOTH. When we found the opening, I didn’t wait. I dropped down and said, “I’M GOING IN.” Luca was all serious and dramatic, like, “This feels wrong,” but I told him, “Don’t worry. I’ll go first.” It wasn’t deep. But it felt deep. Like a secret. The air was cold and smelled like dirt. We didn’t find any treasure, but that’s okay. It felt special in there. Like someone important used to live there. Maybe the samurai wizard had a pet falcon and armor made of glowing moss. I bet he still watches the forest sometimes. When we got out, I flopped in the grass and said, “No ninja kings. But still cool.” Luca just nodded. He got it.
~ Nico
Luca & Nico’s Challenge:
Find a kofun and imagine who might be buried inside. Create a character, A warrior? A healer? A traveler?, then draw or write their story.
Parent Insight:
Ancient sites like kofun burial mounds may seem visually uneventful to kids at first, but that’s exactly what sparks imagination. Without exhibits or signs, children are invited to fill in the silence with stories, questions, and ideas. These spaces are powerful not for what they show, but for how they ask young minds to wonder.
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Kofun Burial Mounds in Saga
- Kofun (meaning “ancient grave”) were built between the 3rd and 7th centuries to honor powerful individuals, often with grave goods like armor, mirrors, and weapons.
- Saga Prefecture is home to many unmarked kofun, like Takori Kofun and Michigoshi Kofun, which are rarely visited and remain open to the elements.
- These tombs often appear as simple grassy hills but can contain elaborate stone chambers or hidden burial goods.
- Japan has over 160,000 known kofun sites, some are UNESCO-listed, while others, like these in Saga, remain hidden in plain sight.
Until Next Time…
The kofun burial mounds in Saga didn’t offer treasure or tours, just space to imagine, wonder, and sit still with the past. And sometimes, that’s more powerful than anything we could dig up.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
