Nara Pref. Round tumulus IHA imperial tomb

Yashima Mausoleum

Also known as: Emperor Sudo (Prince Sawara)
LocationNara Pref.
ShapeRound tumulus
DesignationImperial Mausoleum (IHA)
IHA designationIHA-managed (no public entry)

Overview

At Yashimacho, Nara, this is designated as the mausoleum of Prince Sawara, posthumously Emperor Sudo. Its mausoleum tradition and the archaeological remains of the separate mound in front must be distinguished.

Finds & research

No finds from the designated mausoleum itself are established in the public sources checked; the megaliths in front belong to a separate corridor-chamber mound.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
The IHA classifies the mausoleum as a round mound, but its archaeological date, burial facility, and finds are unknown in the public sources checked. The exposed megaliths in front belong to the separate Yashima-ryo-mae Kofun and should not be confused with the designated mausoleum's burial facility.
Imperial Household Agency view
Managed by the IHA as the Yashima Mausoleum of Emperor Sudo (Prince Sawara, Emperor Kanmu's brother, who died protesting his innocence in 785 and became the focus of vengeful-spirit worship; reburied and titled in 800). The "Eight Stones" before the tomb are exposed ceiling slabs of a late-kofun chamber.

Field notes

About 20 minutes on foot from JR Obitoke Station; worship from the oratory.

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Sources

奈良市観光協会 崇道天皇八嶋陵宮内庁書陵部 八嶋陵 陵墓立会調査報告

Related kofun

Hashihaka Kofun (280m) Nishitonozuka Kofun (230m) Higashitonozuka Kofun (139m) Andonyama Kofun (242m) Shibutanimukaiyama Kofun (300m) Kurozuka Kofun (130m)
← Tahara-no-Nishi Mausoleum Sahoyama-no-Higashi Mausoleum →