190m keyhole mound in Tango Town, Kyotango City — second-largest in Kyoto Prefecture and on the Sea of Japan coast. National Historic Site adjacent to the Tango Ancient History Museum. Considered one of the top chieftain tombs of the ancient Tango Kingdom, located near the base of the Tango Peninsula.
Finds & research
Cylindrical and figurative haniwa (incised boat/human-figure) recovered. Bronze mirrors and metal sutra containers (Kyotango City cultural property) from the later sutra mound at the summit.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
190m keyhole mound, second-largest on the Sea of Japan coast. Rear section 129m diameter, 26m high; front section 78m wide, 15m high; both three-tiered. Late 4th–early 5th century. Cylindrical and figurative haniwa (including incised boat and human-figure pieces) recovered; Tango-style cylindrical haniwa confirm a regional pottery tradition. One of the "Three Great Sea of Japan Kofun." A later sutra mound at the summit yielded bronze mirrors and a metal sutra container (Kyotango City cultural property).
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. Designated as a National Historic Site on March 7, 1923 (area: 13,150 m²). Managed by Kyotango City, Tango Town.
Field notes
The adjacent Tango Ancient History Museum (paid) explains Tango kofun culture. Commonly combined with Amino Choshiyama Kofun (id:279) in a Tango ancient history tour. About 30 min by car from Mineyama Station (KTR).