★ World HeritageHabikino / Fujiidera, OsakaKeyhole-shaped mound
Nakatsuyama Kofun
Also known as: Mausoleum of Princess Nakahime (Nakatsuhime-no-Mikoto)
Location
Habikino / Fujiidera, Osaka
Shape
Keyhole-shaped mound
Mound length
290 m
Period
Late 4th–early 5th c.
World Heritage
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO)
Overview
The 2nd largest mound in the Furuichi group and 9th nationally (290m). Three-tiered construction with double moats. The rear circle is ~25m high and ~175m in diameter; the front section is ~210m wide. Located almost directly north of Konda Gobyoyama Kofun, it anchors the core area of the Furuichi group. The IHA attributes it to Empress Nakatsu-hime, consort of Emperor Ojin. Constituent monument of the "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group" UNESCO WHS (2019). The kanji "仲" in "Nakatsuyama" means "middle," aptly describing its position between Konda Gobyoyama (south) and Ichinoyama (north). The Furuichi group represents the highest concentration of large keyhole mounds in Japan.
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. At 290m it is the 2nd largest in the Furuichi group and 9th in Japan. Dated to the late 4th–early 5th century, likely contemporary with or slightly later than Konda Gobyoyama Kofun (the designated Emperor Ojin mausoleum, 425m). Three-tiered construction with double moats. Some scholars raise the possibility of Emperor Chuai's tomb, but the discrepancy between the chronicles' dates for Chuai (mid-4th century) and the archaeological date makes this uncertain. The mound's 9th-largest national rank indicates an occupant of the highest social tier, second only to the paramount king.
Imperial Household Agency view
Officially designated "Nakatsu-hime-no-Mikoto-no-Misasagi" by the IHA, attributed to Empress Nakatsu-hime, consort of Emperor Ojin. The reign period of Emperor Ojin (late 4th–early 5th century) roughly coincides with the mound's archaeological date, but the specific attribution cannot be archaeologically verified.
Field notes
The moat water creates a scenic landscape, and the full keyhole profile can be observed from the outer road. Nearest stations: Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line Fujiidera (~10 min walk) or Furuchi (~15 min walk).