A terminal-period square mound in southeastern Kashihara City, west of Amakashi Hill. The two exquisitely carved house-shaped sarcophagi in its chamber are unparalleled nationwide, drawing attention as a candidate for the Soga clan's "twin tombs." The chamber and coffins can be viewed through a protective grate. Inscribed in July 2026 as a component of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara."
Finds & research
Corridor-type chamber (granite, plastered walls) containing two monolithic house-shaped sarcophagi of Tatsuyama tuff, lacquered inside, with uniquely ornamented roof-form lids. Pottery fragments recovered nearby.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
A two-tiered square mound (lower tier ~30m, upper ~18m per side, ~7.5m high) with moats on three sides, clarified by Kashihara City excavations since 2009. The corridor-type stone chamber holds two monolithic house-shaped sarcophagi aligned north–south — carved from Tatsuyama tuff with hip-roof-style lids bearing unique ridge and pillar-beam ornaments, lacquered inside. The occupants are unknown; theories include imperial family members or the Soga clan, notably Soga no Emishi and Iruka in connection with the "twin tombs" mentioned in the Nihon Shoki.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. National Historic Site (1927; expanded 2015 and 2025), managed by Kashihara City.
Field notes
About 10–15 min on foot from Kintetsu Okadera Station. Entry into the chamber is not permitted, but both sarcophagi are visible through the grate at the opening. Easily combined with a walk around Amakashi Hill and the Asuka area.