Noge Otsuka Ancient Tomb

The Noge Otsuka Tumulus is the largest tumulus of the Noge Tumulus Cluster extending over the Kaminoge and the Oyamadai districts of Setagaya ward, Tokyo. It is categorized as mollusk-shell shaped ”zenpo-koenfun” (keyhole shaped burial mound with square and circular mounds combined). Its circular part is about 67 meters in diameter and 11 meters in height divided into a three-tiered structure and a protrusion called ”tsukuri-dashi”. The tumulus is surrounded by a horse shoe shaped water moat and the total length including the moat is 104 meters. The surface of the tumulus is covered with roofing tiles and has an array of some of the oldest haniwa (terracotta clay figure used as burial goods during the Kofun Period (250 - 538 AD)) in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. The top of the circular part of the tumulus was the main part where four bodies were buried. From the primary grave structure at the central part of the mound burial goods like iron armor, copper mirrors, stone tools and jewelry made out of beads were unearthed and are designated as Tokyo Metropolitan area Tangible Cultural Properties. It is a ten-minute walk from ”Todoroki” Station of the Tokyu Oimachi Line.