Landmark

Kamao Kofun

Check tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

Kamao Kofun is an ancient burial mound dating from the Kofun period (c. 250–538 AD), located in Kumamoto. This keyhole-shaped tumulus is a designated historic site, providing insight into early Japanese society and its elaborate burial customs. Visitors can walk around the mound, which is covered in grass and surrounded by a moat, and observe the distinct shape that characterizes elite tombs of the era. The site offers a peaceful, reflective experience away from modern city life.

Don't miss

  • View the classic keyhole-shaped mound from the observation platform.
  • Walk the perimeter to appreciate the scale and moat system.
  • Read informational panels explaining the Kofun period and local archaeology.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Kamao Kofun

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

More attractions in Kumamoto

Planning your trip to Kumamoto? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Kumamoto itinerary.