Keisen, Fukuoka

Keisen
桂川町
Town

Location of Keisen in Fukuoka Prefecture
Keisen

Location in Japan

Coordinates: 33°35′N 130°41′E / 33.583°N 130.683°ECoordinates: 33°35′N 130°41′E / 33.583°N 130.683°E
Country Japan
Region Kyushu
Prefecture Fukuoka Prefecture
District Kaho
Area
 • Total 20.07 km2 (7.75 sq mi)
Population (2003)
 • Total 14,625
 • Density 730/km2 (1,900/sq mi)
Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
Website Town of Keisen

Keisen (桂川町 Keisen-machi) is a town located in Kaho District, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.

As of 2003, the town has an estimated population of 14,625 and a density of 728.70 persons per km². The total area is 20.07 km².

Keisen was home to Fukuoka POW Camp in 1944 during World War II.

There are many Kofun in Keisen; Ōzuka Kofun, near Keisen Station, is designated as a site of special historic interest (one of only two of its kind in Japan), and has its own museum. Ozuka was built in the 6th century AD as a decorated mound tomb. It was rediscovered in 1934, and the artifacts found inside are now at Kyoto National Museum. It was closed to the public for preservation in 1967, but is now open twice a year. The museum has a full size reconstruction of the tomb with information in Japanese and English. Admittance is 310 yen for adults, as of 2009. Its archeological importance is perhaps comparable with that of Sutton Hoo.

In July 2010 a landslide after heavy rain destroyed a house.

External links