An Early Kofun-period mound famous for 33 triangular-rimmed deity-and-beast mirrors. They are important evidence for studying mirror circulation. It is one of the mounds of the Yanagimoto Kofun Group within the Oyamato-Yanagimoto Kofun Group.
Finds & research
One pictorial-band deity-and-beast mirror and swords were found inside the coffin; 33 triangular-rimmed deity-and-beast mirrors, swords and other items were found outside.
Official status & archaeological view
Official status
It was designated a National Historic Site in 2001.
Archaeological view
An approximately 130m keyhole mound with a rear section about 11m high at Yanagimoto, Tenri, dating to the late 3rd century. Its c.8.3m gabled pit chamber held a wooden coffin, one pictorial-band deity-and-beast mirror inside the coffin, and 33 triangular-rimmed deity-and-beast mirrors plus swords and other items outside. The occupant is unknown.
Field notes
Close to JR Yanagimoto Station; visitors can see the mound’s exterior and the Kurozuka Kofun Museum. Check Tenri City’s current opening information. The adjacent Tenri City Kurozuka Kofun Museum has a full-scale reconstruction of the pit chamber and displays replicas of the excavated mirrors and swords.