Also known as: Mausoleum of Consort to Emperor Nintoku (IHA)
Location
Nara Pref.
Shape
Keyhole-shaped mound
Mound length
275 m
Period
Early 5th c.
IHA designation
IHA-managed (no public entry)
Overview
The largest mound (275m) in the Saki Tatete-retsu group, Hokkeji-cho, Nara City. Faces the adjacent Konabe Kofun (204m) to the south; both anchor the northern edge of the Saki plateau. Double moats survive in near-complete form. The name "Uwanabe" (upper pot) is a folk etymology comparing the round rear circle to a cooking pot.
Finds & research
No excavation under IHA jurisdiction; burial goods unknown.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
At 275m, the largest mound in the Saki group. Dated to the early 5th century; contemporary with the adjacent Konabe Kofun (204m). Double moats; stone paving (fukiishi) and haniwa rows presumed. Under IHA jurisdiction, interior structure and burial goods are unknown. Scale indicates a sovereign or near-sovereign of the Yamato court.
Imperial Household Agency view
Officially designated by the IHA's Shoryobu bureau and attributed to the consort of Emperor Nintoku, based on the chronicles. Most archaeologists regard this attribution as unsupported by material evidence. Public access is restricted under imperial mausoleum regulations; only exterior viewing from the surrounding road is permitted.
Field notes
Uwanabe anchors the eastern end of the Saki row of large keyhole mounds. Nearest bus stop: "Hokkeji" from Kintetsu Nara Station. A combined visit with Hokkeji Nunnery (associated with Empress Komyo) is recommended. Not a World Heritage Site but included in the Agency for Cultural Affairs' Historic Road network.