★ World Heritage Nara Pref. Octagonal mound

Nakaoyama Kofun

Also known as: Nakaozuka
LocationNara Pref.
ShapeOctagonal mound
Mound length19.5 m
PeriodEarly 8th c.
DesignationNational Historic Site
World HeritageAsuka-Fujiwara (UNESCO, inscribed 2026)

Overview

A terminal-period octagonal tomb at Hirata, Asuka. Known for its finely built chamber, it is included in the World Heritage property “Asuka-Fujiwara.”

Finds & research

A side-entry chamber, lacquered wooden-coffin fragments, and gilt-bronze objects have been identified; the occupant is unknown.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
A three-tiered octagonal mound about 19.5m across, with a finely built side-entry stone chamber, dated to the early 8th century. Its form suggests an imperial-level burial, but the occupant is unconfirmed.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA; a National Historic Site. The occupant is unknown, and proposed imperial attributions remain unproven.

Field notes

Visit in accordance with site protections and posted guidance. World Heritage status was checked against UNESCO's current list.

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Sources

文化庁 国指定文化財等データベース明日香村文化財資料UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Related kofun

Takamatsuzuka Kofun (23m) Miyakozuka Kofun (42m) Kengoshizuka Kofun (22m) Iwayayama Kofun (40m) Ishibutai Kofun (51m) Noguchi-no-o-no-haka Kofun (37m)
← Mausoleum of Emperor Showa Shobuike Kofun →