| Location | Habikino / Fujiidera, Osaka |
|---|---|
| Shape | Keyhole-shaped mound |
| Mound length | 96 m |
| Period | Early 6th c. |
| World Heritage | Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO) |
A 96m national historic site (terminal-phase Furuichi group). Nationally famous for the 1991 excavation that yielded over 3,500 artifacts from the horizontal stone chamber: gilt-bronze crowns, shoes, horse gear, armor, iron implements, beads, and bronze mirrors—evaluated as royal-class grave goods. A key late-period mound dated to the early 6th century. The contrast between the relatively modest mound size (96m) and the extraordinary quality and quantity of grave goods symbolizes a terminal-phase burial culture in which wealth was expressed through elaborate furnishings rather than massive earthworks. Exterior viewing is available to the public.Constituent monument of the "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group" UNESCO WHS (2019). The name "Minegatsuka" (Mound on the Peak) reflects the mound's elevated position on the plateau. The 3,500+ artifacts are the most from any single Furuichi group excavation, directly attesting to the occupant's power and wealth. Finds are held and displayed at the Habikino City Library/Museum complex. The early-6th-century date coincides with Emperor Keitai's accession (507 CE), making this a mound of special significance as evidence of the power transition during that pivotal historical juncture.
A 1991 excavation by Habikino City Board of Education detected a stone chamber near the summit of the rear circle. Over 3,500 artifacts were recovered, including swords, spears, iron arrowheads, armor (kake-yoroi and short cuirasses), horse gear, mirrors (triangular-rimmed deity-beast type), and beads — an exceptionally large assemblage for an early 6th-century mound. A FY2022 excavation yielded a second example of kasagata (hat-shaped) wooden objects, the first since the Emperor Ojin Mausoleum, generating national attention. Some finds are displayed at the Habikino City Museum.