Shiga Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Azuchi-Hyotanyama Kofun

Hyotanyama Kofun (Omihachiman)

Location	Shiga Pref.
Shape	Keyhole-shaped mound
Mound length	136 m
Period	Mid-4th c.
Designation	National Historic Site

Overview

Shiga's largest keyhole mound, on a ridge-end extending from Mt. Kinugasa in Azuchi, Omihachiman. As one of the earliest great keyhole mounds in Omi, it marks the Yamato court's reach to Lake Biwa's eastern shore. A full-scale replica of the central chamber and copies of the finds are shown at the Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum.

Finds & research

Three pit-style chambers and two cist coffins. Kiho and two-deity-and-two-beast mirrors, jasper bracelet-stones (hoe-shaped, wheel, and bracelet types), a cylindrical bronze object, iron swords, arrowheads, axes and knives, and haniwa (Kyoto University Museum).

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view

A keyhole mound about 136m long, the largest in Shiga Prefecture, dated to the mid-4th century. Pit-style stone chambers, split-bamboo-shaped wooden coffins, mirrors, stone objects, weapons, and armor are known; the occupant is unknown.

Imperial Household Agency view

Not designated by the IHA. National Historic Site "Hyotanyama Kofun" (designated 1957).

Field notes

About 25 min on foot from JR Azuchi Station. The mound is walkable, though the chambers are reburied. Usually combined with the Azuchi Castle site and its museum.

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Sources

近江八幡市文化財保存活用地域計画滋賀県文化財保護協会安土瓢箪山古墳（136m）文化庁国指定文化財等データベース

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