★ World HeritageSakai, OsakaKeyhole-shaped moundIHA imperial tomb
Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun
Also known as: Mausoleum of Emperor Richu
Location
Sakai, Osaka
Shape
Keyhole-shaped mound
Mound length
365 m
Period
Late 4th–early 5th c.
World Heritage
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO)
IHA designation
IHA-managed (no public entry)
Overview
365m long (3rd largest in Japan, 2nd in the Mozu group). The 3-tiered mound rises to about 26m at the rear circle and features triple moats. Together with Daisen Kofun it anchors the Mozu group. Unlike Daisen, the front section points southward. The moat-side path runs through residential areas and offers impressive views of the reed-lined waterways.Designated a constituent monument of the "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group" UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. The name "Kamiishizu Misanzai" combines the place name Kamishiozutsu with "Misanzai," a local phonetic variant of misasagi (imperial tomb). Located about 800m southwest of Daisen Kofun, the two super-scale keyhole mounds aligned on the Mozu plateau evoke the grandeur of the ancient landscape.
Finds & research
No excavation permitted under IHA mausoleum regulations. Internal structure and grave goods remain unknown. Exterior viewable from public paths.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Occupant archaeologically unknown. The 2nd largest in the Mozu group and 3rd nationally (365m). Located just southwest of Daisen Kofun. Haniwa typology suggests construction slightly after Daisen, in the early 5th century. The occupant's identity remains unconfirmed; most scholars identify the burial as a royal-class tomb of the early 5th century without naming a specific individual.
Imperial Household Agency view
Officially designated "Mozunomimihara-no-Minamimine" by the IHA and administered by Shoryobu bureau. Attributed to Emperor Richu based on the chronicles. Public access is restricted under the imperial mausoleum regulations; the exterior moat path is walkable.[IHA Visiting Info] Address: 大阪府堺市西区石津ヶ丘 / Access: JR 上野芝駅から徒歩約6分 / Hours: 原則、8時30分～17時 (open year-round in principle). Stamp storage: 古市陵墓監区事務所.