Nara Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Kawai Otsukayama Kofun

LocationNara Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length197 m
PeriodEarly–mid 5th c.

Overview

Keyhole mound 215m; the largest in the Umaimi group, on the Umaimi ridge at the western edge of the Nara basin. Rich assemblage including triangular-rimmed deity-and-beast mirrors confirms a powerful 5th-century chieftain of the Yamato court. Now incorporated into the well-maintained Umaimi Koryo Park, highly accessible.

Finds & research

Triangular-rimmed deity-and-beast mirrors, inner floral-pattern mirrors, clay burial pit traces, wooden coffin remains, iron objects, and beads.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
Keyhole mound 215m; largest in the Umaimi group. Dated early–mid 5th century. Three-tier construction with double moats. Stone paving, haniwa rows, clay-lined burial pits, and wooden coffin traces confirmed. Finds include triangular-rimmed deity-and-beast mirrors, inner floral-pattern mirrors, iron objects, and beads — confirming a powerful chieftain of the Yamato court.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not managed by the IHA. Designated a National Historic Site (1975). Managed by Kawai Town, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. Not a mausoleum; academic investigation has been possible and surveys conducted by the Nara Prefectural Kashihara Archaeological Research Institute.

Field notes

Umaimi Koryo Park (Nara Prefectural) fully opened 2009. Also celebrated for dahlias and tulips in season. Finds displayed at the Nara Prefectural Kashihara Archaeological Research Institute Museum. Nearest station: Kintetsu Tawaramoto Line "Ikebe," ~20 min. walk.

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Sources

奈良県立橿原考古学研究所河合町教育委員会奈良県(史跡大塚山古墳群)文化庁(国指定史跡)

Related kofun

Hashihaka Kofun (280m) Nishitonozuka Kofun (230m) Higashitonozuka Kofun (139m) Andonzan Kofun (242m) Shibuyamukaiyama Kofun (300m) Kurozuka Kofun (130m)
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