Enormous rectangular burial mound from the late Yayoi period in Mineyama-cho, Kyotango City — National Historic Site. Among the largest of its era in both mound dimensions and burial facilities. Regarded as the tomb of the central chieftain of the "Tango kingdom," with large quantities of iron tools, bronze mirrors, and glass beads. Has attracted scholarly attention as a candidate for the tomb of Queen Himiko.
Finds & research
Iron objects (swords, axes, sickles, etc.), bronze mirrors, glass beads, green jasper tubular beads, Yayoi pottery. Trace of direct wooden coffin burial in the primary burial.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Rectangular burial mound: summit 36m E–W × 39m N–S; base (tomb precinct) 51m N–S × 45m E–W × 3.5m high. Late Yayoi (early 3rd c.). 6 burials on summit, 19+ on lower terraces. The primary burial (No.1) occupies a huge pit (14m × 10.5m) — the largest of its period on the Japanese archipelago. Regarded as the tomb of a great chieftain of the Tango kingdom; also noted as a candidate for the tomb of Queen Himiko.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. Designated National Historic Site on 26 July 2007. Located in Akasaka, Mineyama-cho, Kyotango City.
Field notes
About 20 min walk or 5 min by car from Kyoto Tango Railway "Mineyama" Station. Developed as a historic site park. Artifacts displayed at Kyotango City Tango Ancient Village Museum (~5 min by car).