Also known as: Oshisakanochi-no-Misasagi (Mausoleum of Emperor Jomei)
Location
Nara Pref.
Shape
Octagonal mound
Mound length
42 m
Period
Early 7th c.
Designation
Imperial Mausoleum (IHA)
IHA designation
IHA-managed (no public entry)
Overview
Emperor Jomei's mausoleum at Osaka, Sakurai. The IHA classifies it as upper-round/lower-square, while archaeological interpretation treats the upper mound as octagonal; both are distinguished here.
Finds & research
Burial facilities and grave goods remain unknown under mausoleum management.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Occupant archaeologically unconfirmed. An octagonal mound set on a trapezoidal square platform (jō-hakkaku-kahō): the octagonal upper part measures ~42m across the flats and ~12m high, while the three-tiered square platform is ~105m along its lowest side, the whole measuring roughly 80m (N–S) by 110m (E–W). Dated to the early 7th century (c. 641) and regarded as the earliest octagonal imperial mound. A dry moat surrounds it. Emperor Jomei was the father of Prince Naka no Ōe (later Emperor Tenji), Princess Hashihito, and Prince Ōama (later Emperor Tenmu), making him pivotal in the Asuka period. The form illustrates the transition of imperial burial practice from the keyhole shape to square and then octagonal forms. No haniwa; stone paving (fukiishi) reportedly present.
Imperial Household Agency view
Managed by the IHA as Emperor Jomei's Osaka-no-Uchi Mausoleum; the official form is upper-round/lower-square.
Field notes
Worship is generally available year-round from 08:30 to 17:00; do not enter the mound precinct and follow IHA guidance.