Keyhole mound 127m in Kayu-cho, Tenri City. Constituent mound of the national historic site Yamato Kofun Group; archaeologically important as one of the earliest surviving keyhole mounds (late 3rd–early 4th century). Adjacent to Nakayama Otsuka (130m). Rich assemblage including triangular-rimmed mirrors. Situated along the "Yamanobe-no-Michi" ancient road; a popular stop on the well-maintained hiking circuit.
Finds & research
Triangular-rimmed mirrors, inner floral-pattern mirrors, iron objects, beads. Vertical-shaft stone chamber and wooden coffin confirmed.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Keyhole mound 127m; rear circle 72m diameter, front section 65m wide. Dated late 3rd–early 4th century — among the oldest in the Yamato group. Early bachi-shaped front section. Vertical-shaft stone chamber and wooden coffin confirmed. Finds: triangular-rimmed mirrors, inner floral-pattern mirrors, iron objects, beads. Located adjacent to Nakayama Otsuka (130m); the two are understood as a paired core of the Yamato group's earliest phase. Occupant unknown.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not managed by the IHA. Designated in 1972 as a constituent mound of the National Historic Site "Yamato Kofun Group." Managed by the Tenri City Board of Education. Surveys conducted by the Nara Prefectural Kashihara Archaeological Research Institute.
Field notes
Walking the "Yamanobe-no-Michi" through the Yamato group — Nakayama Otsuka, Hiezuka, Nishitonozuka, Higashitonozuka — while passing Andonyama (Emperor Sujin, 242m) and Shibuyamukaiyama (Emperor Keiko, 300m) is regarded as one of Nara's premier ancient history walks. JR Sakurai Line "Yanamoto" Station, ~20 min. walk.