UNESCO World Heritage — inscribed 2019
Mozu-Furuichi World Heritage Kofun
Complete Guide to the 49 Tombs
On July 6, 2019, the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee (Baku) inscribed the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan (Sakai, Habikino and Fujiidera, Osaka Prefecture) — Japan's 23rd World Heritage site and its first dedicated to burial mounds. The property comprises 45 components totalling 49 kofun, including the 525m Daisen Kofun (Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku), one of the world's three great tombs. This map covers all 49, with both the Imperial Household Agency and archaeological views, fully sourced.
Official nameMozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan
InscribedJuly 6, 2019 (43rd World Heritage Committee, Baku)
Components45 components / 49 kofun (Mozu area 23 + Furuichi area 26)
Criteria(iii)(iv) | Japan's 23rd World Heritage site
The Must-See Kofun
Of the 49, these are the essential first visits. Each card links to a detail page with finds, occupant debates and sources. See all 49 on the map or browse the index.
★ Mozu areaDaisen Kofun (Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku)Keyhole 525m | Early 5th c. | SakaiJapan's largest tomb — by volume said to exceed the Great Pyramid of Giza. Worship from the oratory on the south side.Details →
★ Furuichi areaKonda Gobyoyama Kofun (Mausoleum of Emperor Ojin)Keyhole 425m | Early 5th c. | HabikinoJapan's second longest — and by volume possibly the largest. The oratory brings you impressively close.Details →
★ Mozu areaKamiishizu Misanzai Kofun (Mausoleum of Emperor Richu)Keyhole 365m | Late 4th–early 5th c. | SakaiJapan's third largest, with one of the most beautiful views in Mozu from the viewpoint near Itasuke.Details →
★ Mozu areaHaji Nisanzai KofunKeyhole 300m | Late 5th c. | SakaiOften called the most beautiful kofun for its moat-reflected silhouette. You can walk the full perimeter.Details →
★ Mozu areaItasuke KofunKeyhole 146m | Early 5th c. | SakaiSaved from destruction by a 1950s citizens' movement — the symbol of kofun preservation in Sakai.Details →
★ Furuichi areaTsudoshiroyama KofunKeyhole 208m | Late 4th c. | FujiideraOne of Furuichi's oldest great tombs — and one you can actually walk on, with the Mahora Shiroyama guidance hall.Details →
★ Furuichi areaFurumuroyama KofunKeyhole 150m | Late 4th–early 5th c. | FujiideraA rare climbable component — the summit gives a sweeping view over the Furuichi group.Details →
How to See Tombs "Too Big to See"
The giant keyhole mounds are imperial mausolea — closed to entry — and from the ground they look like forests. The trick is to go up, step back, and compare.
Viewpoints: Sakai City Hall 21F observation lobby (free, overlooking Nintoku's mausoleum) / Mozu Kofun Visitor Center (large-screen aerial footage) / Sakai City Museum with VR experience (in Daisen Park) / the summit of Furumuroyama Kofun (over Furuichi)
Up close: the oratories of the Nintoku and Ojin mausolea / the moat-side walk around Haji Nisanzai
Compare: this map's
size-comparison tool overlays the Great Pyramid, the First Qin Emperor's mausoleum and Tokyo Dome at true scale
Half-day course — Mozu area (Sakai)
JR Mozu Sta. → Daisen Kofun oratory → Daisen Park: Sakai City Museum (VR) + Visitor Center → Itasuke Kofun → Gobyoyama Kofun → Haji Nisanzai Kofun (perimeter walk) → finish via Sakai City Hall 21F lobby (Sakai-Higashi Sta.)
Half-day course — Furuichi area (Habikino / Fujiidera)
Kintetsu Hajinosato Sta. → Furumuroyama Kofun (climb it) → Konda Gobyoyama oratory → Konda Hachimangu shrine → Tsudoshiroyama Kofun + Mahora Shiroyama → finish at Kintetsu Fujiidera Sta.
The two areas connect by JR and Kintetsu — a classic full day is Mozu in the morning, Furuichi in the afternoon.
Use the free Kofun Book (visit log) on this map to record your visits and complete all 49 World Heritage kofun.
Sources & Official Links