The IHA-designated site at Horai, Nara. The present square mound has been measured, but its identification as an ancient tumulus remains unproven.
Finds & research
The IHA investigation around the foot of the mound recovered 61 artifacts, mainly roof tiles and tile-like earthenware, dating chiefly to the 15th century and then the 18th century. Almost no artifacts earlier than the classical period were found.
Official status & archaeological view
Official status
Managed by the IHA as the Sugawara-Fushimi West Mausoleum of Emperor Anko, the 20th emperor; the official form is a square hill.
Attribution (jitei): the Imperial Household Agency's determination of whose tomb it manages — separate from heritage designation.
Archaeological view
An IHA report gives the present square mound as about 55 m per side. The 1998 investigation around the foot of the mound found no features, and the finds date mainly to the 15th century, followed by the 18th century. The report considers it likely that most of the mound consists of natural ground and that it may have been altered in some way.
Field notes
Per the IHA, it is about an 8-minute walk from the Horai bus stop, and worship is generally possible year-round from 8:30 to 17:00. The goryoin (mausoleum seal) is kept at the Unebi Mausolea Office in Kashihara, Nara, 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).