Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group

Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun

Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun is a large mound comprised of circular and rectangular sections, which seen from above, has a unique keyhole shape only found in Japan. Thought to have been built around the middle of the 5th century, it is the largest mounds in the world. The total length of the mound including the surrounding triple moat is 840 meters. In 1872, a pit-style stone compartment and a chest-shaped stone coffin were discovered, from which a sword, armor as well as glass jars and plates were unearthed. These burial artifacts are not found in other mounds, so are extremely valuable.

Ojin-tenno-ryo Kofun

Located in the central part of the Furuichi area is Ojin-tenno-ryo Kofun, a massive keyhole-shaped mounded tomb that dates back to the early 5th century. It is 425 meters long and nearly 36 meters high, which is equivalent to a 12-story building. The volume of soil used for the mound is said to be the largest in Japan. Outside of the double moat and bank that surround the mound lies a number of smaller tombs. The cherry trees and cosmos lining the inner moat embellish the mound with beautiful flowers in spring and autumn, which is excellent for a leisurely walk.

Tsudo-shiroyama Kofun

Tsudo-shiroyama Kofun is the oldest keyhole-shaped mounded tomb in the Furuichi area. It is 210 meters long and is surrounded by a double moat and bank. You can climb to the top of the mound, making it long appreciated by the local citizens as a relaxing retreat. Although there are also other several mounds that can be climbed in the area, Tsudo-shiroyama Kofun is the only mound with a total length exceeding 200 meters. The 1.1-meter-tall water bird-shaped haniwa (terracotta clay figure) excavated from the mound is listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.