A 155m-long keyhole mound at the south-western edge of the Mozu group, with its front section facing south-west. The rear circle is 94m across and 14m high. Built in the late 4th century, it is regarded as the group's first large keyhole mound. Most of the front section and moat are lost, but the three-tiered rear circle, with stone facing and haniwa, survives.
Finds & research
A 1972 investigation identified a clay-covered chest-shaped stone sarcophagus at the center of the rear circle. Stone bracelet-shaped objects, including a sharinseki, were recovered from the clay. Stone facing and haniwa are also confirmed on the mound.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
It is regarded as the first large keyhole mound built in the Mozu group. Most of the front section and the moat have been lost, while the three-tiered rear circle survives. A 1972 investigation identified a chest-shaped stone sarcophagus covered with clay at the center of the rear circle.
Imperial Household Agency view
This is not an Imperial Household Agency mausoleum. It became a National Historic Site in 1974 and was consolidated into the National Historic Site Mozu Kofun Group in 2014. It is owned and administered by Sakai City.
Field notes
The sarcophagus was reburied and cannot be viewed. Stone bracelet-shaped objects, including a sharinseki, are displayed at the Sakai City Museum.