National Historic Site (1978) keyhole mound (67m) in Wakayama City. Kyoto University excavations (1957–1958) yielded Japan's only complete horse armor 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 armor (Japan's only complete example) — horned iron helmet — 21 glass magatama — bronze mirrors — iron weapons (all designated Important Cultural Properties).
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
67m keyhole mound (rear circle 30m dia., front section 48m wide, 6–10m high). Late 5th–early 6th century. Kyoto University excavations (1957–1958) revealed horse armor (the only complete example in Japan), 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 designated by the IHA. Designated a National Historic Site in November 1978.
Field notes
About 20 min walk from JR Kisei Main Line "Kimiidera" Station. About 15 min by car from central Wakayama City.