Osaka Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Imashiroduka Kofun

LocationOsaka Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length181 m
PeriodEarly 6th c.

Overview

The largest keyhole burial mound in the Yodo River basin (181m). The three-tiered mound measures 100m in rear-circle diameter (~11m high) and 120m in front-section width (~9m high), surrounded by a double moat. Designated a National Historic Site in 2011. A prime example of the significant gap between IHA designation and archaeological consensus: the IHA-designated Ota Chausuyama dates to the mid-5th century, whereas Imashiroduka's haniwa typology points to the early 6th century, close to Emperor Keitai's death in 531 CE.

Finds & research

Multiple excavations by Takatsuki City Board of Education (2000s onward); continued since National Historic Site designation in 2011. Finds include pottery of Omi/Hokuriku style, Korean-influenced Sue ware, and diverse figural haniwa (~80 types: houses, canopies, shields, roosters, dogs, horses, shamanesses, wrestlers). Evidence of mound collapse linked to the 536 CE earthquake has also been confirmed. The adjacent Imashiroduka Ancient History Museum displays finds and multimedia exhibits; a reconstructed haniwa ceremonial site with ~80 life-sized replicas is installed in the park.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
The leading archaeological theory identifies this as the actual tomb of Emperor Keitai (26th Emperor), supported by scholars including Taiichiro Shiraishi and Fumiaki Imao. Key evidence: (1) haniwa typology matches the early 6th century (520s–530s); (2) the burial chamber's scale and structure are commensurate with a great king; (3) a large haniwa ceremonial area (~1,000 m²); (4) mound collapse possibly linked to the 536 CE earthquake. Finds include pottery of Omi/Hokuriku style, Korean-influenced Sue ware, and diverse figural haniwa (houses, canopies, shields, roosters, dogs, horses, shamanesses, wrestlers) reflecting Keitai's broad political network.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not managed by the IHA. Designated as a National Historic Site in 2011, administered by Takatsuki City. The IHA designates Ota Chausuyama (id:61) as Emperor Keitai's mausoleum, leaving Imashiroduka outside its jurisdiction. This status uniquely allows full archaeological investigation, making it more accessible to scholars than most royal-associated mounds.

Field notes

Fully open to the public as a free park, featuring Japan's first reconstructed haniwa ceremonial site with approximately 80 life-sized replica haniwa. The adjacent Imashiroduka Ancient History Museum displays excavated artifacts and multimedia exhibits. Every spring, the "Imashiroduka Ancient History Festival" is held. Walking paths traverse the mound, and the summit of the rear circle offers panoramic views over the Yodo River basin. Nearest stations: JR Settsu-Tonda or Hankyu Tonda, ~15 min walk.

⛩ Open the interactive map 📍 Google Maps

Sources

高槻市教育委員会白石太一郎『継体大王の時代』UNESCO(参考)

Related kofun

Daisen Kofun (525m) Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun (365m) Haji Nisanzai Kofun (300m) Gobyoyama Kofun (203m) Tadeiyama Kofun (148m) Itasuke Kofun (146m)
← Shiragayama Kofun Ota Chausuyama Kofun →