Shinaga-no-Yamada-no-Misasagi (Mausoleum of Empress Suiko)
Location
Osaka Pref.
Shape
Square mound
Mound east–west
59 m
Period
Early 7th c.
Designation
Imperial Tomb (IHA)
IHA designation
IHA-managed (no public entry)
Overview
A large terminal-period square mound at Yamada in Taishi. It is designated as Empress Suiko's mausoleum and traditionally regarded as her joint tomb with Prince Takeda. It measures 59 by 55m.
Finds & research
Two horizontal chambers are thought to lie inside, but details remain unconfirmed because it is an Imperial mausoleum. Grave goods are unknown.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Taishi Town records a large square mound measuring 59m east-west by 55m north-south. It is an east-west elongated, three-tiered rectangular mound thought to contain two horizontal stone chambers, and is dated to the first half of the 7th century.
Imperial Household Agency view
The Imperial Household Agency designates and manages it as Shinaga-no-Yamada Mausoleum of Empress Suiko, the 33rd emperor, and classifies its form as a square mound. The Nihon Shoki says that Suiko was buried with the previously deceased Prince Takeda, but this has not been archaeologically verified inside the mound.
Field notes
The Imperial Household Agency gives access as about a six-minute walk from the Suiko Tenno-ryo-mae bus stop. Worship hours are generally 8:30–17:00.