The largest keyhole mound in the Heguri valley, built on an independent hill west of the Tatsuta River. Known for its megalithic chamber and rich grave goods that attest to the power of the Heguri clan in the late 6th century. The summit commands a view over the valley.
Finds & research
Corridor-type chamber (14.2m) with two composite house-shaped sarcophagi of Nijozan tuff. Finds include a four-beast mirror, gilt-bronze horse trappings, silver-fitted sword, beads, glass beads, earrings, iron swords/spears/arrowheads, knives, an iron saw, Sue and Haji ware, and figural haniwa including a shrine-maiden figure. Graveside ritual traces confirmed in the forecourt.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
A keyhole mound 60.5m long (some sources ~65m), the largest in the Heguri valley, built in the mid-to-late 6th century. The megalithic corridor-type chamber in the rear circle (14.2m total, main chamber ~4.3m high) rivals Ishibutai (id:268) in scale, holding composite house-shaped sarcophagi of Nijozan white tuff in both chamber and corridor. Excavated in a near-intact state, it yielded a four-beast mirror, gilt-bronze horse trappings, a silver-fitted sword, beads, earrings, iron weapons, and Sue/Haji ware, with traces of graveside rites in the forecourt. Widely considered the tomb of a Heguri clan chieftain.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. National Historic Site (designated 1971), managed by Heguri Town.
Field notes
5–10 min on foot from Tatsutagawa Station (Kintetsu Ikoma Line). The chamber is locked at the entrance; the key is managed and lent by the Heguri Town Board of Education at the town hall (contact in advance on closed days).