Also known as: Sugawara-no-Fushimi-Nishi-no-Misasagi (Mausoleum of Emperor Anko)
Location
Nara Pref.
Shape
Round mound
Mound length
30 m
Period
Mid 5th c.
IHA designation
IHA-managed (no public entry)
Overview
IHA mausoleum of Emperor Anko (Sugawara-no-Fushimi-Nishi-no-Misasagi) in the Sugawara district of Nara City. Emperor Anko (20th), recorded in the chronicles as killed by Mayuwa-no-Ōkimi, is the second of a small group of emperors who met violent ends. Located in the same district as Horaiyama Kofun (Emperor Suinin, id:220). The "Nishi" (West) in the name identifies its position west of the Suinin mausoleum (East Mausoleum). The designated site is a small hill. The Sugawara district — home to the Horaiyama mausoleum and Sugawara Tenmangu Shrine (legendary birthplace of Sugawara no Michizane) — is a notable historical cluster in northern Nara City.
Finds & research
No investigation conducted under IHA jurisdiction. Internal structure and grave goods unknown.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Occupant archaeologically unconfirmed. Emperor Anko (r. 453–456) is recorded in the chronicles as having been killed by Mayuwa-no-Ōkimi, making him one of a small number of emperors killed by members of the royal family. The IHA-designated site in the Sugawara district of Nara City is a small hill without confirmed large-scale burial mound structure. No detailed investigation conducted. Anko's short reign (3 years) and violent end mark a distinctive chapter in the chronicles.
Imperial Household Agency view
Officially designated "Sugawara-no-Fushimi-Nishi-no-Misasagi" ("West" Sugawara-Fushimi Mausoleum) and managed by the IHA as the mausoleum of Emperor Anko (20th Emperor, r. 453–456). Located west of the East Sugawara-Fushimi Mausoleum of Emperor Suinin (Horaiyama Kofun, id:220) in the same Sugawara district; "Nishi" (West) distinguishes this mausoleum from the Emperor Suinin mausoleum to the east. Access restricted.[IHA Visiting Info] Address: 奈良県奈良市宝来4丁目 / Access: （バス停） 宝来から徒歩約8分 / Hours: 原則、8時30分～17時 (open year-round in principle). Stamp storage: 畝傍陵墓監区事務所.
Field notes
About 15–20 min walk from Kintetsu Kashihara Line "Amaji" Station. One stop on a northern Nara City kofun walk combining Horaiyama (id:220), Goshanejinja (id:221), and Hishiage (id:223) in the Saki group. Sugawara Tenmangu Shrine (a few minutes walk from the mausoleum) is also recommended.