Imperial Household Agency: Hanyu-no-Sakamoto-no-Misasagi (Mausoleum of Emperor Ninken)
Also known as: Mausoleum of Emperor Ninken
Location
Fujiidera, Osaka
Shape
Keyhole-shaped mound
Mound length
122 m
Period
Early 6th c.
Designation
IHA-managed tomb
IHA designation
Managed by the IHA (mound closed to the public)
Overview
A 122m-long keyhole mound at Aoyama in Fujiidera. Its front section is markedly wider and higher than the rear circle, a late trait within the Furuichi group. The Imperial Household Agency designates it as Emperor Ninken's mausoleum, but the occupant has not been archaeologically established because the interior has not been investigated.
Finds & research
In 1981, two haniwa kilns were found on the slope adjoining the outer embankment north-west of the front section. Their products closely resemble haniwa from the embankment, linking production to construction of the mound. The burial facility and grave goods remain unknown.
Official status & archaeological view
Official status
The Imperial Household Agency designates and manages it as Hanyu-no-Sakamoto Mausoleum of Emperor Ninken, the 24th emperor. The Agency classifies it as a keyhole mound and gives its location as Aoyama 3-chome, Fujiidera.
Attribution (jitei): the Imperial Household Agency's determination of whose tomb it manages — separate from heritage designation.
Archaeological view
A keyhole mound with its front section facing south-west. It has a projection near the front side of the constriction and is surrounded by a moat and embankment. Its surface and burial facilities are unknown, but cylindrical haniwa from the embankment date construction to the early 6th century.
Field notes
The Imperial Household Agency gives access as about a 22-minute walk from Kintetsu Furuichi Station. Worship hours are generally 8:30–17:00. Entry onto the mound is prohibited; visitors use the worship area. The goryoin (mausoleum seal) is kept at the Furuichi Mausolea Office in Habikino, Osaka, where visitors can use it free of charge (reception 8:30–17:00; staff may be unavailable on weekends, holidays, 29 Dec–3 Jan and some other days).