A terminal-period octagonal tomb at Sada, Takatori, widely considered a candidate for Prince Kusakabe's grave, though the occupant remains unconfirmed.
Finds & research
A tuff ashlar side-entry chamber, lacquered-coffin fragments, coffin fittings, iron nails, pottery and teeth attributed to a young adult male.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
The mound is reconstructed as octagonal. An Asuka Village research paper gives a diagonal of about 36m, while Takatori Town’s visitor account gives about 30m. Nara Prefecture’s heritage database calls it “36m on a side”; because these measurements use inconsistent descriptions, the mound size should be treated as approximate. Built around the late 7th century in the center of a prepared area about 60m across, it has a tuff ashlar side-entry chamber. A young adult’s teeth, lacquered-coffin fragments and coffin fittings were identified.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA; a Nara Prefectural Historic Site. The occupant is unknown; Prince Kusakabe is a leading but unproven attribution.
Field notes
Visit in accordance with site protections and current Takatori/Nara guidance.