Wakayama Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Shakano-koshi Kofun

LocationWakayama Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length86 m
PeriodMid-5th century
DesignationPrefectural Historic Site

Overview

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

Finds include a hollow gold magatama thought to have been made on the Korean Peninsula, haniwa, iron objects, and Sue ware.

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 an IHA mausoleum. Designated a Wakayama Prefectural Historic Site on 20 April 1994.

Field notes

Follow park rules and on-site signs.

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Sources

わかやまの文化財 車駕之古址古墳和歌山市の文化財 車駕之古址古墳(和歌山市教育委員会)

Related kofun

Otani Kofun (70m) Shimosato Kofun (45m)
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