The leading chieftain's tomb of eastern Harima, in Kakogawa City. Known for its continental gilt-bronze belt fittings and iron ingots, it is maintained as a historic park together with the Saijo temple ruins. The name derives from an ascetics' hall that once stood on the rear circle.
Finds & research
Gilt-bronze openwork belt fittings, a bridle, cast-iron axe, 40 iron ingots, comma-shaped bronze ornaments, clay food models, and various haniwa (1995–96 survey). The three clay burial chambers are unexcavated.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
A three-tiered keyhole mound 99m long (or ~100m) — the largest in Kakogawa City — with the unusual feature of four projecting platforms. Built in the late 4th–early 5th century. Excavations in 1995–96 recovered gilt-bronze openwork belt fittings (a continental import), horse gear, a cast-iron axe, 40 iron ingots, comma-shaped bronze ornaments, and clay food models — striking evidence of East Asian exchange. Three clay-encased burials in the rear circle remain unexcavated.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. Protected as part of the National Historic Site "Saijo Kofun Group" (1973, together with Hitozuka and Amazuka) managed by Kakogawa City.
Field notes
Bus access from JR Kakogawa Station. Freely visitable as a maintained historic park. The nearby Hitozuka (round, ~50m) and Amazuka (~40m) mounds of the same group can be seen together.