| Location | Osaka Pref. |
|---|---|
| Shape | Keyhole-shaped mound |
| Mound length | 88 m |
| Period | Early 5th c. |
A keyhole mound (88m) in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City. One of the largest surviving kofun within Osaka City, dated to the early 5th century. A rare cultural asset in an urbanized area, protected as an Osaka City Historic Site. The place name "Tezukayama" derives directly from this mound—the characters for "emperor," "mound," and "mountain" vividly evoke an ancient burial mound rising like a hill. The surrounding district became one of Osaka's most prestigious residential neighborhoods, an unusual case where a kofun name became an upscale urban brand. Its proximity to Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine makes it significant for understanding the political sphere of the ancient Sumiyoshi and Tsumori clans.
Surveys and surface collection by the Osaka City Board of Education have confirmed stone paving (fukiishi) on the mound slopes and haniwa fragments (cylindrical and figural types). The haniwa typology is consistent with the early 5th century, supporting the hypothesis of a powerful clan of the Sumiyoshi region. Systematic excavation has not been conducted; the burial chamber form and grave goods remain unknown (a vertical stone cist is possible but unconfirmed). The name "Tezukayama" is a rare example of a kofun name becoming a prestigious urban district brand. Among surviving kofun within Osaka City, this is one of the largest.
The mound is not open for public entry, but its profile is visible from surrounding roads. Within walking distance of Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine (the head shrine of all Sumiyoshi shrines), which can be combined for a visit.