Hyogo's largest keyhole mound, built on a terrace overlooking the Akashi Strait in Tarumi Ward, Kobe. Restored in 1965–75 as Japan's first fully reconstructed kofun — complete with stone-clad slopes and haniwa rows — it lets visitors experience how a mound gleamed when new. The summit commands views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island.
Finds & research
Finned cylindrical and morning-glory haniwa (an estimated 2,200 in total); 80 excavated pieces are Important Cultural Properties. Grave goods unknown (burial unexcavated). Analysis shows the lower-tier paving stones are local while the middle and upper tiers came from eastern Awaji Island.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
At 194m, Hyogo's largest keyhole mound: three tiers with a rear circle ~125.5m across and front section ~82.4m wide, once covered in stone paving and lined with an estimated 2,200 cylindrical haniwa. Built in the late 4th–early 5th century; the burial facility is unexcavated (a pit-style chamber is presumed). Eighty excavated haniwa, including finned cylinders, are Important Cultural Properties. The occupant is thought to have been a chieftain controlling the Akashi Strait. The adjoining round mound Kotsubo Kofun (~70m) is included in the designation.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. National Historic Site (1921) managed by Kobe City. Sometimes identified with the "decoy tomb" built of stones from Awaji Island in the Nihon Shoki's Empress Jingu chronicle.
Field notes
About 5 min on foot from Kasumigaoka Station (Sanyo Electric Railway). Free admission (9:00–17:00); visitors may climb the mound. The Goshikizuka Kofun Museum guidance facility opened in April 2026. The adjacent Kotsubo Kofun can be seen together.