★ World HeritageSakai, OsakaKeyhole-shaped moundIHA imperial tomb
Tadeiyama Kofun
Also known as: Mausoleum of Emperor Hanzei
Location
Sakai, Osaka
Shape
Keyhole-shaped mound
Mound length
148 m
Period
Mid 5th c.
World Heritage
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO)
IHA designation
IHA-managed (no public entry)
Overview
One of the three great mausolea of Mozunomimihara (the Northern one). A 148m keyhole mound at the northernmost point of the Mozu group, with three-tiered construction, moat, stone covering, and haniwa rows. Located approximately 1.1km north of Daisen Kofun. Constituent monument of the "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group" UNESCO WHS (2019). The name "Tadeiyama" may reflect the surrounding paddy landscape or a water spring. The north–south alignment of the three great Mozunomimihara mausolea reflects deliberate sacred landscape planning by the 5th-century royal house.
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
Actual occupant unknown. Dated by haniwa typology to the mid-5th century (c. 450–460s). 148m long, rear circle ~84m diameter and ~11m high, front section ~86m wide. Three-tiered construction with stone covering and haniwa rows. The traditional reign dates of Emperor Hanzei (r. 406–410 in the chronicles) differ by approximately 40–50 years from the archaeological date, a discrepancy noted by researchers. Positioned at the northern edge of the Mozu group, this mound defines the northern boundary of the Mozu plateau and is considered one of the last large mausolea constructed in the Daisen cluster.
Imperial Household Agency view
Officially designated "Mozunomimihara-no-Kita-no-Misasagi" (Northern Mausoleum of Mozunomimihara) by the IHA, attributed to Emperor Hanzei. The three major mausolea of Mozunomimihara are: Central (Daisen Kofun), Southern (Kamiishizu Misanzai), and this Northern mound. Access is restricted as an imperial mausoleum; the exterior embankment path is viewable.[IHA Visiting Info] Address: 大阪府堺市堺区北三国ヶ丘町2丁 / Access: 南海 堺東駅から徒歩約6分 / Hours: 原則、8時30分～17時 (open year-round in principle). Stamp storage: 古市陵墓監区事務所.
Field notes
Nearest access: JR Hanwa Line Mozu Station (~10 min walk) or bus from Kintetsu/Nankai Sakaisuji-Higashi Station. A path along the outer moat allows a near-complete circuit of the mound.