Between the 3rd and 6th centuries, the Japanese were making grave sites known as Kofun. Sakai, just south of Osaka, is home to forty six of these sites. The largest is Daisen Kofun, which is thought to be the resting place of emperor Nintoku. Covering about 80 acres, this keyhole shaped burial mound has three moats and twelve satellite mounds. The Kofun are the property of the Imperial Household Agency and entry is forbidden. This is as close as you can get to this massive structure, whose shape can only be perceived from the air.
This site seems so removed from the modern Japanese city that surrounds it. But its presence is dominating. It is of this world, but clearly separate from it. Click on the images for a larger view.