Osaka Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Seiryo Kofun

LocationOsaka Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length210 m
PeriodEarly 5th c.

Overview

The southernmost keyhole mound in Osaka Prefecture (210m). Three-tiered construction on a hilltop in Misaki-cho, Sennan-gun, with panoramic views of Osaka Bay and Awaji Island. Dated to the early 5th century with a surrounding moat. Not excavated due to IHA management as a reference site. Together with the nearby Tannoha Nisanzai Kofun (173m), it forms the core of the "Tannoha kofun group," believed to have been the base of an ancient maritime power. In ancient times this was the strategic southern gateway of Osaka Bay, a hub of the maritime network linking Kii, Shikoku, and Awaji.

Finds & research

IHA-designated reference site (Tannoha Ryobo Sankochi); excavation prohibited. From exterior observation, the mound uses the natural hillside (~50m elevation) and shows a three-tiered form; traces of the surrounding moat are visible. Its commanding position overlooking Osaka Bay and Awaji Island is taken as evidence that the occupant controlled 5th-century maritime routes. Internal burial structure and grave goods unknown. Together with the nearby Udohaka Kofun (Tannoha Nisanzai, 173m), this forms the Tannoha kofun group at the southern tip of Osaka Prefecture.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
Occupant unknown. Dated by haniwa typology to the early 5th century (c. 420–440s). Three-tiered construction, 210m long, with surrounding moat; the mound cleverly exploits the natural hillside topography. As the largest kofun at the southern tip of Osaka Prefecture, it is presumed to be the tomb of a chief who controlled ancient maritime routes along the Kii Channel and Osaka Bay. Together with the nearby Awajima Nisanzai Kofun (173m) it forms the "Tannoha kofun group," thought to have been the political center of the region linking southern Izumi to northern Kii Province.
Imperial Household Agency view
Designated by the IHA as a potential imperial site (Tannoha Ryobo Sankochi). As a "Ryobo Sankochi," it is managed by the IHA without attribution to a specific emperor. Public entry is prohibited and no excavation has been conducted. Located in Misaki-cho, Sennan-gun—the southernmost IHA-managed kofun in Osaka Prefecture.

Field notes

Misaki-cho remains the southernmost point of Osaka Prefecture, known as the departure point for ferry routes to Awaji Island. The mound's overall form can be appreciated by walking the exterior perimeter, but entry is restricted.

⛩ Open the interactive map 📍 Google Maps

Sources

宮内庁岬町教育委員会岬町観光協会

Related kofun

Daisen Kofun (525m) Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun (365m) Haji Nisanzai Kofun (300m) Gobyoyama Kofun (203m) Tadeiyama Kofun (148m) Itasuke Kofun (146m)
← Kinno Kurumaduka Kofun Izumi Koganduka Kofun →