91.2m keyhole mound in Muko City. One of the oldest large kofun in the Otokuni region (mid–late 3rd century), part of the National Historic Site "Otokuni Kofun Group." Its typical early-period design (bat-shaped front section) mirrors Hashihaka Kofun in Nara, making it a key site for understanding the spread of kofun-building culture.
Finds & research
Pit chamber of unworked natural stones at the rear summit. Haniwa coffin and sphere-shaped haniwa from a 4th-century secondary burial. Detailed grave goods not yet confirmed.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
91.2m keyhole mound (rear circle 55m, 8.7m high, 3-tiered; front 40.5m long, 33m wide, 4m high, 2-tiered). Mid–late 3rd century — the oldest large keyhole-shaped mound in the Otokuni region. Bat-shaped (バチ形) widening front section mirrors early designs similar to Hashihaka Kofun in Nara. The rear summit pit chamber of unworked natural stones is a first for large mounds of this type. A haniwa coffin from a 4th-century secondary burial and a sphere-shaped haniwa also found.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. Designated as a National Historic Site under the "Otokuni Kofun Group" on March 1, 2016. Managed by Muko City.
Field notes
Located within Mukou Highland Park; free admission. About 20 min walk from Hankyu Higashi-Mukou Station. Often combined with Moto-Inari Kofun (id:289) and Terado Otsuka (id:290) for a full Otokuni kofun experience.