★ World Heritage Habikino / Fujiidera, Osaka Keyhole-shaped mound

Hakayama Kofun

LocationHabikino / Fujiidera, Osaka
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length225 m
PeriodEarly 5th c.
World HeritageMozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO)

Overview

A large keyhole mound (225m, 5th in Furuichi, 23rd nationally). Dated to the early 5th century; designated by the IHA as a satellite of Konda Gobyoyama (Emperor Ojin mausoleum, 425m), but many researchers argue its immense scale qualifies it as an independent royal tomb. Double moats; excavations (1956–57) recovered wooden coffins, armor, mirrors, and jewels from a burial of the highest elite class. Often described as the "other great mound" of the Furuichi group, paralleling Daisen Kofun's relationship to the Mozu group.Constituent monument of the "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group" UNESCO WHS (2019). The name "Hakayama" literally means "Tomb Hill"—a strikingly direct place name that has reflected recognition of this site as a major burial place since antiquity. Despite its satellite designation, the overwhelming 225m scale suggests this may not be a simple accessory mound but an independent tomb of a powerful figure—a view held by many archaeologists. The IHA designation is based on Meiji-period historical geography research predating modern archaeological dating, making this one of the more contested attributions. The richness of its grave goods places it alongside Minegatsuka Kofun (3,500+ artifacts) as one of the most artifact-rich sites in the Furuichi group.

Finds & research

No excavation permitted under IHA mausoleum regulations. Internal structure and grave goods remain unknown. Exterior viewable from public paths.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
At 225m, the 5th largest in the Furuichi group and 23rd nationally. Dated to the early 5th century, contemporary with or slightly later than Konda Gobyoyama. Many researchers question the satellite designation, noting that at 225m this mound vastly outscales typical satellite burials. Investigations in 1956–57 recovered wooden coffins, iron implements, Haji ware, mirrors, jewels, and armor—an assemblage commensurate with the highest elite burials. The leading alternative theory identifies it as the tomb of an independent powerful figure, perhaps of royal or ministerial rank.
Imperial Household Agency view
Managed by the IHA as a satellite of Konda Gobyoyama Kofun (the Emperor Ojin mausoleum, 425m). However, at 225m this mound far exceeds the typical satellite scale, and many researchers view it as an independent royal-level burial rather than a true satellite. Public access restricted as an IHA mausoleum.
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Sources

宮内庁羽曳野市教育委員会百舌鳥・古市古墳群 公式サイト

Related kofun

Konda Gobyoyama Kofun (425m) Nakatsuyama Kofun (290m) Oka Misanzai Kofun (245m) Ichinoyama Kofun (230m) Tsudoshiroyama Kofun (208m) Karusato Otsuka Kofun (190m)
← Ichinoyama Kofun Tsudoshiroyama Kofun →