National Historic Site (1978) keyhole mound (70m) in Wakayama City. Kyoto University excavations (1957–1958) yielded Japan's only complete horse helmet (bachū) and numerous Korean-peninsula-influenced finds, all designated Important Cultural Properties. A key Kii-region mound documenting exchange with the Korean peninsula.
Finds & research
Horse helmet (Japan's only complete example), horse armor — horned iron helmet — 21 glass magatama — bronze mirrors — iron weapons (all designated Important Cultural Properties).
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
70m keyhole mound (rear circle ~40m dia., front section ~40m wide, 6–10m high). Late 5th–early 6th century. Kyoto University excavations (1957–1958) revealed a horse helmet (the only complete example in Japan) and horse armor, a horned iron helmet, 21 glass magatama, bronze mirrors, and iron weapons — a first-class corpus demonstrating strong cultural exchange with the southern Korean peninsula. The finds are designated Important Cultural Properties. The occupant is presumed to be a 20–30-year-old male elite of the Ki-uji clan.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not an IHA mausoleum. Designated a National Historic Site on 15 November 1978.
Field notes
Follow current on-site guidance for access and transport.