★ World HeritageHabikino / Fujiidera, OsakaSquare mound
Nakayamaduka Kofun
Location
Habikino / Fujiidera, Osaka
Shape
Square mound
Mound length
50 m
Period
Early 5th c.
World Heritage
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO)
Overview
A square mound (50m long). The central and largest of the "Three Mounds" (Mitsuzuka) national historic site cluster. Early-5th-century construction. "Nakayamaduka" (Central Hill Mound) names its position in the trio. Its larger scale suggests it holds the highest-ranking occupant of the three. Located closest to Nakatsuyama Kofun (290m), it is likely the tomb of the most closely connected companion of that mound's occupant.Constituent monument of the "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group" UNESCO WHS (2019). The progressive increase in size from south to north (Sukedayama 36m → Nakayamaduka 50m → Nabeduka 63m) may reflect a graded hierarchy approaching the great Nakatsuyama Kofun. The Mitsuzuka trio is maintained as a public amenity by Fujiidera City and serves as a waypoint on walking routes connecting Nakatsuyama and Ichinoyama (Emperor Ingyo's mausoleum).
Finds & research
No excavation permitted under IHA mausoleum regulations. Internal structure and grave goods remain unknown. Exterior viewable from public paths.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
A square mound (50m long), occupant unknown. The largest of the three Mitsuzuka mounds, dated to the early 5th century. As the central and largest mound, "Nakayamaduka" (Central Hill Mound) indicates its position in the trio. Its greater scale suggests it may hold the highest-ranking occupant among the three. As the closest accessory square mound to Nakatsuyama Kofun (290m), it is presumed to be the tomb of a close relative of that mound's occupant (associated with the designated Empress Nakahime or a royal of equivalent rank).
Imperial Household Agency view
Not managed by the IHA. Administered by Fujiidera City as a national historic site (designated 2001 together with the Mitsuzuka trio). The central mound of the "Three Mounds."