Square mound (45m per side) in Asuka Village, with a distinctive three-step profile that has earned it the nickname "Japan's Pyramid." Most likely the tomb of Soga no Iname, patriarch of the Soga clan that dominated 6th-century Asuka court politics. National Historic Site; visitors may climb the mound. A must-see on the Asuka area circuit alongside Ishibutai Kofun and Asukadera temple.
Finds & research
Horizontal stone chamber (approx. 8m long) with a tuff house-shaped coffin confirmed. Sue ware and iron implements recovered.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Square mound ~45m per side, ~7m high, 3-tiered construction. Late 6th century. The pronounced three-step terracing gives it the appearance of a step pyramid — earning it the nickname "Japan's Pyramid." Contains a horizontal stone chamber (~8m long) with a stone house-shaped coffin. Grave goods include Sue ware and iron implements. The occupant is most likely Soga no Iname, given the proximity to Asukadera temple — the Soga clan's family temple.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. National Historic Site managed by Asuka Village. Not an imperial or reference site, enabling full archaeological investigation. Visitors may climb the mound.
Field notes
Soga no Iname (506–570) was a Grand Minister who championed the adoption of Buddhism. His daughters married Emperor Kinmei; his son Soga no Umako (buried at Ishibutai?) and granddaughter Empress Suiko were central figures of the Asuka era. Together with Ishibutai Kofun, this forms the core of the "Soga clan kofun" in Asuka history. About 10 min by bicycle from Kintetsu Asuka Station.