A square-fronted, square-backed mound on a hill in Nishikori, Otsu, overlooking Lake Biwa and the Hiei range. Its stone cladding, angled to gleam toward the lake, makes vivid the kofun's role as a monument built to be seen. Maintained as a kofun park, it doubles as an easy lookout from the city.
Finds & research
Stone facing, five burial locations, and pottery used to date the mound are documented. A clay-covered burial lies in the front section.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Kofun No. 1 is a square-fronted, square-backed mound about 60m long, with a rear width of about 35m. Otsu City dates it to the late 4th century from pottery. Stone facing covers the slopes and is especially careful on the Lake Biwa side. Excavation in 1970 identified five burial locations; the Agency for Cultural Affairs describes a rear cut thought to hold the main burial and a clay-covered burial in the front. Nearby round mound No. 2, about 20m across, is also included in the national designation.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. National Historic Site (designated 1974).
Field notes
About 10 minutes on foot from Keihan Omi-Jingu-mae Station. The mound is maintained as a kofun park and its summit is accessible.