Kochi-no-Shinaga-no-Nakanoo-no-Misasagi (Mausoleum of Emperor Bidatsu)
Location
Osaka Pref.
Shape
Keyhole-shaped mound
Mound length
93 m
Period
6th c. (dating disputed)
Designation
Imperial Tomb (IHA)
IHA designation
IHA-managed (no public entry)
Overview
A keyhole mound in Taishi, also called Okutsuki Kofun, designated by the Imperial Household Agency as Emperor Bidatsu's mausoleum. Taishi Town dates its construction to the first half of the Late Kofun period, while Kashiwara City gives the late or end of the 6th century.
Finds & research
Haniwa have been collected nearby. A horizontal chamber remains an inference; details of the interior and grave goods are unknown.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Taishi Town describes it as about 93m long and the only keyhole mound in the Shinaga valley, with a dry moat. Haniwa collected nearby lead the town to date it to the first half of the Late Kofun period; a horizontal chamber is inferred, but the interior remains unknown.
Imperial Household Agency view
The Imperial Household Agency designates and manages it as Kochi-no-Shinaga-no-Nakanoo Mausoleum of Emperor Bidatsu, the 30th emperor, and classifies it as a keyhole mound. The Nihon Shoki says he was buried in his mother Empress Ishihime's tomb, but the occupants have not been archaeologically verified.
Field notes
The Imperial Household Agency gives access as about a nine-minute walk from the Bidatsu Tenno-ryo-mae bus stop. Worship hours are generally 8:30–17:00.