Shiga Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Yukinoyama Kofun

LocationShiga Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length70 m
PeriodEarly 4th c.

Overview

The "unopened chieftain's tomb" atop Mt. Yukino, on the borders of Omihachiman, Higashiomi and Ryuo. Its chamber, sealed for 1,700 years until 1989, is a landmark of Heisei-era archaeology. Hike to the summit; a park with interpretation lies at the foot.

Finds & research

Intact pit-style chamber (6.1m); five mirrors, 96 bronze arrowheads, hoe-shaped stone, lacquerware (ICP).

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
A 70m keyhole mound on the summit of Mt. Yukino (rear circle 40m, two tiers, stone paving), built in the early 4th century. In 1989 its pit-style chamber (6.1m) was found intact, yielding five mirrors (incl. triangular-rimmed), 96 bronze arrowheads, a hoe-shaped stone, and lacquerware — a nationally celebrated discovery of an unlooted early chieftain's tomb.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. National Historic Site (2014); the finds were designated Important Cultural Properties in 2001.

Field notes

A 30–40 min hike to the summit (chamber reburied); Yukinoyama Historical Park lies at the base.

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Sources

文化庁 国指定文化財等データベースWikipedia文化遺産オンライン(重文出土品)

Related kofun

Mausoleum of Emperor Kōbun Azuchi-Hyotanyama Kofun (134m) Kabutoyama Kofun (30m) Zeze-Chausuyama Kofun (122m) Kojinyama Kofun (124m) Kamo-Inariyama Kofun (45m)
← Mino Kofun Cluster Tanaka-Ozuka Kofun →