National Historic Site (1978) keyhole mound (70m) in Wakayama City. Excavations in 1957–1958, commissioned by the Wakayama City Board of Education from Kyoto University, yielded a horse helmet (umakabuto) — one of only three found in Japan — and numerous Korean-peninsula-influenced finds; the grave goods are designated Important Cultural Properties as a set. A key Kii-region mound documenting exchange with the Korean Peninsula. According to the Wakayama Prefectural Board of Education, the stone of the house-shaped sarcophagus buried directly in the round mound is thought to come from the Aso region.
Finds & research
Horse helmet (one of only three found in Japan), horse armor, a visored (shōkaku-tsuki) helmet, lamellar armor, 21 glass magatama, small plain mirrors, iron weapons and more (the grave goods from in and around the coffin are designated Important Cultural Properties as a set).
Official status & archaeological view
Official status
Designated a National Historic Site on 15 November 1978.
Archaeological view
70m keyhole mound. The Agency for Cultural Affairs gives the rear circle as about 40m across and 9.5m high and the front section as about 40m wide and 9m high, and notes the strongly continental character of the finds, especially the horse armor. The Wakayama Prefectural Board of Education's heritage guide notes that, given the strongly continental character of the grave goods, it is said to be the tomb of a warrior of the ancient Ki clan who went to war on the Korean Peninsula.
Field notes
Follow current on-site guidance for access and transport.