Nara Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound IHA imperial tomb

Kitahanauchi-Otsuka Kofun

Also known as: Haniguchi-no-Oka Mausoleum (Empress Iitoyo)
LocationNara Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length90 m
PeriodLate 5th–early 6th c.
IHA designationIHA-managed (no public entry)

Overview

The designated tomb of the "phantom empress" Iitoyo in Kitahanauchi, Katsuragi — a key figure in the succession drama around Prince Ichinobe's (id:625) orphans, linking the chronicles to Katsuragi.

Finds & research

Cylindrical and figural haniwa (incl. human figures) and wooden objects (IHA surveys).

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
A keyhole mound ~90m long (rear ~50m, front ~70m) with a 10–15m moat, built c. 500. IHA surveys recovered cylindrical and figural haniwa (including human figures) and wooden objects.
Imperial Household Agency view
Managed by the IHA as the Haniguchi-no-Oka Mausoleum of Empress Iitoyo — the princess said to have governed during the succession gap after Emperor Seinei, uniquely designated with the imperial title though uncounted in the official line.

Field notes

About 10 min on foot from Shinjo Station; worship from the oratory.

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Sources

葛城市Wikipedia

Related kofun

Jo Urugami Kofun (65m) Hiranozuka Anayama Kofun (18m) Ichio Hakayama Kofun (66m) Ichio Miyazuka Kofun (44m) Kataokaiwatsuki-no-Oka-Minami-no-Misasagi (20m) Kataokaiwatsuki-no-Oka-Kita-no-Misasagi (20m)
← Masuyama Kofun Hinokuma Tomb →