| Location | Nishi-ku, Sakai, Osaka |
|---|---|
| Shape | Keyhole-shaped mound |
| Mound length | 365 m |
| Period | Early 5th c. |
| Designation | IHA-managed tomb |
| World Heritage | Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO) |
| IHA designation | Managed by the IHA (mound closed to the public) |
365m long (3rd largest in Japan, 2nd in the Mozu group). The 3-tiered mound rises to about 27.6m at the rear circle; a second, outer moat (confirmed in 1994 and now preserved underground) once encircled it. Together with Daisen Kofun it anchors the Mozu group. Like Daisen it faces south, sited on the western edge of the plateau with the view from Osaka Bay in mind. The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes projections (tsukuridashi) on both sides of the waist, while Sakai City's database mentions one on the west side only; and circular platforms on both summits are thought to cover the burials. The perimeter borders residential areas, and a walk along the moat reveals an impressive waterside landscape framed by greenery. Designated a constituent monument of the "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group" UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. The name "Kamiishizu Misanzai" combines the place name Kamiishizu with "Misanzai," said to be a local corruption of misasagi (imperial tomb). Located about 800m southwest of Daisen Kofun, the two super-scale keyhole mounds aligned on the Mozu plateau evoke the grandeur of the ancient landscape.
The internal burial facility is unexcavated (IHA-managed). A second, outer moat about 10m wide was found in 1994 (Sakai City), and it is known to have run the full circuit (Agency for Cultural Affairs); fukiishi and haniwa have also been documented. Among the figural haniwa is a quiver-shaped (yugi) piece 1.4m tall — an unusually large example. Exterior viewable from surrounding paths.
The IHA manages it as Emperor Richu's mausoleum; visitors view it from the worship place at the front and from the path along the moat. The mausoleum is at Ishizugaoka, Nishi-ku, Sakai, Osaka. Per the IHA, it is about a 6-minute walk from JR Uenoshiba Station, and worship is generally possible year-round from 8:30 to 17:00. 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).
World Heritage guide featuring this kofunMozu-Furuichi World Heritage Kofun A Visitor's Guide to the 49 Tombs →Last updated:
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