86m keyhole mound in Kinomoto, Wakayama City. Wakayama Prefectural Historic Site. Excavations (1989–1991) yielded a hollow gold magatama — the first gold artifact ever found at a domestic Japanese burial mound. Saved from residential development and now open as a public park.
Finds & research
Hollow gold bead (18mm, 1.6g — first gold artifact from a domestic kofun) — iron weapons — Sue ware pottery (Wakayama Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property).
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
~86m keyhole mound (112m including moat). Rear circle ~51m dia., front section ~62m wide. 3rd quarter of the 5th century. Excavations (1989–1991) revealed a hollow gold magatama bead (18mm long, 1.6g) — the first gold artifact discovered at a domestic burial mound. A 1988 residential development plan was halted after the gold bead discovery heightened the site's recognized importance; the city acquired and preserved it as a park.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. Designated a Wakayama Prefectural Historic Site (1994). Currently preserved and open as a public park.
Field notes
Preserved as a public park in Kinomoto, Wakayama City. About 10 min by car from Nankai Main Line "Kinokawa" Station.