A terminal-period round mound on the hills south of Isonokami Shrine in Tenri. Its exquisitely dressed chamber, built to the same design as Iwayama Kofun in Asuka, marks the eastern reach of the Iwayama-type chamber. Lying in a private bamboo grove, it is not officially open — locate it on the map and view from afar.
Finds & research
Corridor-type chamber (11.11m; two courses of granite ashlar with plastered joints; Iwayama-type). Looted early — no artifacts are known.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
A three-tiered round mound (lower tier ~35.5m, middle ~28m, upper ~18m; ~5m high) with facing stones — a rare survival of rammed-earth-and-facing construction in Nara. Built in the mid-7th century. Its corridor-type chamber (south-opening, 11.11m total, main chamber 4.46m) is of superbly dressed granite ashlar laid in two courses with plastered joints, a textbook "Iwayama-type" chamber matching Iwayama Kofun (id:267). Part of the Somanouchi group, it is thought to be the last tomb of the Isonokami (Mononobe-lineage) chieftains. Looted early; no finds are known.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA nor as a historic site at any level. On private land; not officially open to visitors.
Field notes
Within walking range of Tenri Station toward the Yamanobe Trail, but on private land and not officially visitable. Confirm its location while exploring the Somanouchi group near Isonokami Shrine.