One of Harima's largest keyhole mounds, in Mikunino, Himeji City, overlooking the ancient San'yo highway. The Tatsuyama-stone sarcophagus exposed on the summit attests to the region's famed stone-working tradition. A Tenman shrine on the front section has kept the mound under local guardianship.
Finds & research
Composite chest-style sarcophagus of Tatsuyama stone exposed on the summit; cylindrical and figural haniwa (shield, house, cuirass, parasol), iron arrowheads, blades. Interior unexcavated.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
A three-tiered keyhole mound ~143m long (the 1921 designation text gives ~136m) — the largest class in Harima and third in Hyogo. Built in the early 5th century. The lid stone of a composite chest-style sarcophagus of Tatsuyama stone lies exposed on the rear-circle summit, viewable up close. The mound interior is unexcavated. Finds include cylindrical haniwa, shield/house/cuirass/parasol figurals, iron arrowheads, and blades. Presumed tomb of a paramount Harima chieftain.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. National Historic Site "Danjozan Kofun and Tombs 1–3" (designated 1921).
Field notes
About 11 min on foot from JR Gochaku Station. Free access. Tombs 2 and 3 (Yamanokoshi Kofun) are included in the designation. The mound survives well amid suburban housing.