Hyogo Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Goshikizuka Kofun

Sentsubo Kofun
LocationHyogo Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length194 m
PeriodLate 4th c.
DesignationNational Historic Site

Overview

Hyogo's largest kofun, overlooking the Akashi Strait in Tarumi, Kobe. Restored over ten years from fiscal 1965, with reconstructed paving and haniwa rows.

Finds & research

Cylindrical and morning-glory haniwa and pottery; 80 finds are designated Important Cultural Properties. The burial facility is unexcavated and grave goods are unknown.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
A three-tiered 194m keyhole mound, with a rear circle 125.5m across and 18.8m high and a front 82.4m wide and 13m high. Built in the late 4th century, it used about 2,784 tonnes of paving stone and an estimated 2,200 haniwa; the burial facility is unexcavated.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA; a National Historic Site. The occupant is unknown and is interpreted as a powerful leader controlling Akashi Strait traffic.

Field notes

Free admission 09:00–17:00, last entry 16:30. Closed Mondays (next day if a holiday) and over New Year. The site is scheduled to remain open during nearby works from September 2026 to March 2027; check current notices.

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Sources

神戸市 五色塚古墳神戸市 五色塚古墳館・利用案内神戸市 史跡整備基本計画・埋葬施設未確認

Related kofun

Mausoleum of Emperor Junnin Otomezuka Kofun (70m) Nishi-Motomezuka Kofun (98m) Higashi-Motomezuka Kofun (80m) Gyojazuka Kofun (100m) Tamaoka Kofun (109m)
← Oni-no-Manaita & Oni-no-Setchin Otomezuka Kofun →