94m front-square/rear-square mound within Katsuyama Park north of Mukou Shrine, Muko City. One of the oldest large kofun (late 3rd century); National Historic Site. The corbelled-arch pit chamber and special pedestal-form haniwa fragments are of academic significance.
Finds & research
Bronze arrowheads, iron weapon fragments, pottery shards, special pedestal-form haniwa fragments (few grave goods due to historical looting).
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
94m large front-square/rear-square mound (rear 50m×49m, 7m high, 3-tiered; front 43m×47m, 4m high, 2-tiered). N-S axis, south-facing front. One of the oldest large kofun in the Otokuni region (late 3rd century). Pit chamber with corbelled arch (持送り合掌形) ceiling (5.56m long) in the rear center. Though looted, bronze arrowheads, iron weapons, pottery fragments, and special pedestal-form haniwa fragments confirmed. The special haniwa discovery links to debates on the origin of haniwa in western Japan.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. Designated as part of the National Historic Site "Otokuni Kofun Group" on March 1, 2016. Managed by Muko City. Located within Katsuyama Park north of Mukou Shrine.
Field notes
Adjacent to Mukou Shrine; combined visits are convenient. About 15–20 min walk from Hankyu Higashi-Mukou Station. Easily combined with Itsukahara (id:287) and Mozume Kurumazuka (id:296) for a Muko City kofun tour.