Osaka Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Shionjiyama Kofun

LocationOsaka Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length160 m
PeriodEarly 5th c.
DesignationNational Historic Site

Overview

An approximately 160m-long keyhole mound in Otake, Yao, and the largest in central Kawachi. Built in the first half of the 5th century, it has three tiers, stone-faced slopes, and rows of cylindrical haniwa on its terraces. A National Historic Site, it is open as an archaeological park following conservation work. Its name is said to derive from Shinkoji, a Hata clan temple that reportedly stood in the area.

Finds & research

Three burial facilities were identified in the rear circle, yielding armor, mirrors, and other objects. A projection produced an unusual haniwa representing a water-ritual setting, with a house and enclosure modelled together.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
Ten excavation campaigns by the Yao City Board of Education confirmed three-tiered construction, stone facing, rows representing about 3,000 cylindrical haniwa, a square platform on the front section, and three burial facilities in the rear circle. The occupants are unidentified.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not managed by the IHA. National historic site, administered by Yao City as the publicly accessible "Shionjiyama Kofun Park." Not designated as an imperial mausoleum or reference site, and archaeological excavations have been carried out.

Field notes

Freely open to the public as "Shionjiyama Kofun Park"; one of the few kofun in Osaka where visitors can climb to the summit, popular with families. The adjacent "Shionjiyama Kofun Learning Center" displays excavated haniwa and excavation records, offering an introduction to Kofun-period culture. Replica haniwa line the park, evoking the ritual setting of the time. About a 25-minute walk north of Kintetsu Hattorigawa Station, or by bus from Kintetsu Kawachi-Yamamoto Station. Parking available. The park is free to visit; the learning center's exhibition room charges admission (¥240 general).

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Sources

八尾市立図書館 心合寺山古墳八尾市 心合寺山古墳出土の貴重な埴輪八尾市観光パンフレット(学習館の観覧料・開館情報)

Related kofun

Daisen Kofun (486m) Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun (365m) Haze Nisanzai Kofun (300m) Gobyoyama Kofun (203m) Tadeiyama Kofun (148m) Itasuke Kofun (146m)
← Kurohimeyama Kofun Tezukayama Kofun →