A square-type mound preserved in Motomezuka-nishi Park, Nada Ward, Kobe. Nationally famous for yielding seven triangular-rimmed mirrors — often discussed in connection with Queen Himiko — it is key to understanding earliest-Kofun-period navigation on the Seto Inland Sea. In the Unai Maiden legend it is the grave of one of her suitors.
Finds & research
Twelve bronze mirrors (seven triangular-rimmed), ~230 iron weapons and tools, and a pit-style chamber found collapsed by the 1596 earthquake. Finds designated Important Cultural Properties.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
A 98m square-type mound of the late 3rd century — the oldest kofun in the Kobe area. Its pit-style stone chamber (with side chamber, ~5m long) was found collapsed by the 1596 Keicho-Fushimi earthquake, making it a landmark of earthquake archaeology. Twelve bronze mirrors — including seven triangular-rimmed deity-and-beast mirrors — and some 230 iron objects were recovered (Important Cultural Properties). The occupant likely controlled shipping on Osaka Bay.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. National Historic Site (designated 2005).
Field notes
About 2 min on foot from Nishinada Station (Hanshin). Maintained as a public park. The excavated mirrors are periodically displayed at the Kobe City Museum.