A National Historic Site renowned for an unlooted sarcophagus and lavish gilt-bronze horse gear and ornaments. A joint burial of Princes Anahobe and Yakabe is one of several proposed identifications.
Finds & research
Two people were buried east-headed in the sarcophagus with four mirrors, gilt-bronze crowns, shoes and a belt, swords, beads, and other goods. The chamber also yielded exceptionally elaborate gilt-bronze horse gear with few close parallels.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
A 48m-diameter, 9m-high round mound in Ikaruga, built in the late 6th century. Its approximately 14m horizontal chamber contains a red-painted carved house-shaped sarcophagus. Proposed occupants include Princes Anahobe and Yakabe, Emperor Sushun, and members of powerful clans, but none is established.
Imperial Household Agency view
This is not an Imperial Household Agency mausoleum. It became a National Historic Site in 1991, and the objects from the chamber and sarcophagus were designated National Treasures in 2004.
Field notes
The chamber and sarcophagus were confirmed in 1985, and the sarcophagus interior was investigated in 1988. Follow Ikaruga Town guidance and current opening hours when visiting.