Keyhole mound (107m) in Furu-cho, Tenri City. Part of the Isonokami-Toyota Kofun Group adjacent to Isonokami Shrine — one of Japan's oldest shrines and the ancestral sanctuary of the Mononobe clan. Rich in historical context as a likely burial of a powerful figure associated with the Mononobe lineage. Can be visited in combination with Isonokami Shrine.Isonokami Shrine appears in the Nihon Shoki and enshrines the Futsu-no-mitama sword as its sacred treasure. Tenri City is also the headquarters of the Tenrikyo religion; the Tenri University Sankokan Museum houses related ancient history exhibits. About 30 min on foot or bicycle from JR/Kintetsu Tenri Station.
Finds & research
Two-tiered construction, stone paving, and haniwa confirmed. Grave goods details not published.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Keyhole mound 107m long. 5th century. Part of the Isonokami-Toyota Kofun Group, located adjacent to Isonokami Shrine — the ancestral shrine of the Mononobe clan. Its proximity to Mononobe territory has led some to suggest it may be the tomb of a prominent Mononobe-affiliated chieftain. Two-tiered construction with stone paving and haniwa confirmed. Occupant unknown.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. National Historic Site managed by Tenri City as part of the Isonokami-Toyota Kofun Group. Not an imperial or reference site.