Kashiwara's largest keyhole mound, behind Kokubu Shrine at Kokubu Ichiba. It is the central mound of the Early Kofun-period Matsuokayama group and survives well apart from part of the front section. The occupant is unknown.
Finds & research
Known finds include bronze mirrors, ornaments, weapons, agricultural tools, pottery, cylindrical haniwa, and finned oval cylindrical haniwa. Some objects from early investigations are now unlocated, and their findspots need caution. The epitaph of Fune no Ogo and the triangular-rimmed deity-and-beast mirror are traditionally associated with surrounding mounds or hills, not securely with this mound.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
A keyhole mound about 130m long on hills above the left bank of the Yamato River. Distinctive features include stone-slab mound construction, a six-slab composite coffin exposed on the rear summit, perforated standing stones to its north and south, and large finned oval cylindrical haniwa. The original form of the vertical stone chamber that covered the coffin is unknown.
Imperial Household Agency view
This is not an Imperial Household Agency mausoleum. It was designated a National Historic Site on 8 March 1922. It stands on land owned by Kokubu Shrine, and visitors need the approval of the shrine office before visiting.
Field notes
Visitors should contact the adjacent Kokubu Shrine office before entering. The exposed coffin can be viewed on the rear summit, but the remains must not be touched.