★ World Heritage Nara Pref. Octagonal mound IHA imperial tomb

Noguchi-no-o-no-haka Kofun

Also known as: Hinokuma-no-ouchi-no-Misasagi
LocationNara Pref.
ShapeOctagonal mound
Mound length37 m
PeriodLate 7th c.
DesignationImperial Mausoleum (IHA)
World HeritageAsuka-Fujiwara (UNESCO, inscribed 2026)
IHA designationIHA-managed (no public entry)

Overview

Managed as the joint mausoleum of Emperors Tenmu and Jito and inscribed as a World Heritage component in 2026. The IHA Shoryobu reports about 37m across opposite sides.

Finds & research

The medieval robbery account Afuki-no-Sanryoki describes the chamber interior. Because this is not excavation evidence, its account must be distinguished from surviving archaeological remains.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
A late-7th-century octagonal mound at Noguchi, Asuka. The IHA Shoryobu describes five tiers and a distance of about 37m between opposite sides. The joint attribution to Tenmu and Jito is based on the IHA designation and historical records, while the protected core has not been excavated.
Imperial Household Agency view
The IHA designates it as Hinokuma-no-Ouchi-no-Misasagi, the joint mausoleum of the 40th sovereign Emperor Tenmu and the 41st sovereign Empress Jito. The visitor page calls the form a round hill, while an IHA Shoryobu investigation describes a five-tiered octagon about 37m across opposite sides.

Field notes

The IHA states that the worship area is about a 17-minute walk from Kintetsu Asuka Station. The mausoleum precinct is closed.

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Sources

宮内庁 天武天皇 檜隈大内陵宮内庁 持統天皇 檜隈大内陵宮内庁書陵部 陵墓外形調査報告宮内庁書陵部 鳥居改築立会調査UNESCO決議48 COM 8B.19

Related kofun

Takamatsuzuka Kofun (23m) Miyakozuka Kofun (42m) Kengoshizuka Kofun (22m) Iwayayama Kofun (40m) Ishibutai Kofun (51m) Kitora Kofun (14m)
← Ishibutai Kofun Kurazuka Kofun →