Kyoto Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Hirao Shiroyama Kofun

LocationKyoto Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length110 m
PeriodEarly 5th c.

Overview

Keyhole mound (~143m) in Hirao, Joyo City — the second-largest constituent of the Kutsukawa Kofun Group (National Historic Site). Early 5th century; yields a Tateyama stone coffin, bronze mirrors, and iron implements. Together with Kutsukawa Kurumazuka (180m), it documents the 5th-century political order in southern Yamashiro. Joyo City is developing the site as a park; open for visits.Incorporated into the National Historic Site "Kutsukawa Kofun Group" by additional designation in 2016. Joyo City is developing the entire group as a historic park. About 30 min walk from Kintetsu Terada Station, or ~25 min from Kintetsu Yamashiro-Aoyachi Station. Artifacts from the Kutsukawa group are on display at the Joyo City History and Folklore Museum (Culture Park Joyo). Popular as part of a "Joyo Kofun Tour" together with Kurumazuka, Maruzuka, and Basho-zuka.

Finds & research

Tateyama stone coffin, bronze mirrors (incl. triangular-rimmed deity-beast type), iron swords, stone artifacts, beads, cylindrical and shaped haniwa. Details per Joyo City Board of Education survey reports.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
Keyhole mound ~110m long in Hirao, Joyo City — the second largest in the Kutsukawa Kofun Group after Kutsukawa Kurumazuka (180m). Early 5th century; three-tiered with surrounding moat and confirmed haniwa placements. The rear circle features a Tateyama stone coffin (from Tatsuyama, Hyogo Prefecture), characteristic of the Kutsukawa group. Bronze mirrors, iron implements, and beads have been recovered. As a major 5th-century chieftain tomb in southern Yamashiro, it embodies the regional political authority alongside Kutsukawa Kurumazuka.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. Incorporated into the national historic site "Kutsukawa Kofun Group" by additional designation in 2016. Managed by Joyo City.
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Sources

城陽市教育委員会文化庁奈良文化財研究所Wikipedia

Related kofun

Kutsukawa Kurumazuka Kofun (180m) Basho-zuka Kofun (114m) Maruzuka Kofun (80m) Shibagahara Kofun (28m) Kuze Elementary School Kofun (28m)
← Shibagahara Kofun Hiromune No.15 Kofun →