Also known as: Musa-no-Hanatori-no-Saka-no-Ue-no-Misasagi (Mausoleum of Emperor Senka)
Location
Nara Pref.
Shape
Keyhole-shaped mound
Mound length
138 m
Period
Early 6th c.
IHA designation
IHA-managed (no public entry)
Overview
Keyhole mound (~129m, Toya Misanzai Kofun) in Kashihara City, Nara — IHA mausoleum of Emperor Senka (28th). Part of the 6th-century royal mausoleum sequence spanning Emperor Keitai (Furuichi) → Ankan (Furuichi) → Senka (Kashihara) → Kinmei (Asuka), illustrating the geographical spread of Yamato court power. Located in the rural southern part of Kashihara City. Exterior viewing only.
Finds & research
No excavation permitted under IHA mausoleum regulations. Internal structure and grave goods remain unknown. Exterior viewable from surrounding area.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Occupant archaeologically unconfirmed. The designated mound is approximately 129m long, dated to the early 6th century. Emperor Senka (r. 535–539) was the second son of Emperor Keitai, succeeding his elder brother Emperor Ankan (id:50) after the latter's death. His reign lasted only about four years. This period coincides with the rising influence of Soga no Iname, marking the dawn of Soga clan dominance. Part of the 6th-century royal mausoleum sequence: Keitai (id:61) → Ankan (id:50) → Senka → Kinmei (id:257).
Imperial Household Agency view
Officially designated "Musa-no-Hanatori-no-Saka-no-Ue-no-Misasagi" and managed by the IHA as the mausoleum of Emperor Senka (28th Emperor, r. 535–539). The IHA-designated site is identified with Toya Misanzai Kofun in Kashihara City, a keyhole mound approximately 129m long. Access restricted. Emperor Senka reigned in the early 6th century, immediately after the accession of the Keitai lineage — the same period as Emperor Ankan (id:50) and Emperor Keitai (id:61).[IHA Visiting Info] Address: 奈良県橿原市鳥屋町 / Access: 近鉄 橿原神宮西口駅から徒歩約15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 10–15 min by car from Kintetsu Kashihara Line "Kashiharajingūmae" Station. Combining with Emperor Ankan (id:50), Emperor Kinmei (id:257), and Emperor Keitai (id:61) makes a popular "Keitai-Senka-Ankan-Kinmei royal mausoleum tour" for history enthusiasts. A combined visit with Kashihara Jingu Shrine (dedicated to Emperor Jinmu) is also recommended.