Keyhole mound 140m in Kitsui, Kashiba City. Built on the hillside at the eastern foot of Mt. Nijo at the southwestern corner of the Nara basin. At the southern margin of the Umaimi group; its late 5th–early 6th century date has attracted scholarly attention as a potential imperial mausoleum. Protected as a municipally designated historic site. Scenic view of Mt. Nijo.
Finds & research
Stone paving (fukiishi) and haniwa rows confirmed. Details of the burial chamber and grave goods remain unpublished.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Keyhole mound 140m; rear circle 80m diameter, front section 120m wide. Three-tier construction with double moats. Dated late 5th–early 6th century. Stone paving and haniwa confirmed. Scale and date suggest a sovereign or senior chieftain of the Yamato court; occupant unidentified. Proposals naming Emperor Kenzo (r. 485–487) or Emperor Buretsu (r. 499–506) remain circumstantial.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not managed by the IHA. Municipally designated historic site (Kashiba City). Some researchers propose it as a candidate for the mausoleum of Emperor Kenzo or Emperor Buretsu, but no IHA designation has been made. Academic investigation possible; surveys conducted by the Nara Prefectural Kashihara Archaeological Research Institute.
Field notes
The current IHA-designated mausolea for Emperors Kenzo and Buretsu (Sogaoka Iwazuki-ga-oka South and North, also in Kashiba City) are both north of this mound and smaller, which is why researchers propose Kitsuikiriyama as an alternative. Nearest station: Kintetsu Osaka Line "Goidō," ~25 min. walk.