Enjoying SAKAI

The Mozu Tumulus Group

People have been living in Sakai since Japan's ancient Jomon period; they began building numerous Kofun Tumulus starting in the fifth century. Known as Japan's largest keyhole-shaped tomb, Nintoku-ryo Tumulus tells a tale of the development of culture since ancient times. Including partially collapsed mounds, The Mozu Tumulus Group consists of 48 tombs, among them 20 keyhole-shaped tombs, 21 round tombs, and 5 square tombs. Originally the Tumuli numbered more than 100.

Nintoku-ryo Tumulus

Nintoku-ryo Tumulus is Japan's largest keyhole-shaped Kofun Tumulus; it is one of the Three Mozumimihara Tumulus, along with Hanzei-ryo Tumulus to the north and Richu-ryo Tumulus to the south.
The front of the mound faces south and consists of three layers, with a total length of about 486 meters. The round rear part has a diameter of about 249 meters and a height of about 35 meters, while the front has a width of about 305 meters and a height of about 33 meters. The constricted left and right areas have relic altars, and the entire mound is surrounded by three moats.
As befits Japan's largest keyhole-shaped Tumulus, there are more than 10 subordinate burial mounds, including Hinotani Tumulus, Chayama Tumulus, Daianjiyama Tumulus, Gen'emonyama Tumulus, Kitsuneyama Tumulus, Dongameyama Tumulus, Tsukamawari Tumulus, and Osamezuka Tumulus. However, with the exception of Tsukamawari Tumulus, the structures of the primary mounds and grave goods of these subordinate Tumuli generally remain unknown. Nintoku-ryo Tumulus is believed to date from the middle of the fifth century.
A promenade has been built along the south and west sides of the Tumulus.There is also a cherrytree-lined road running along the south side. Near the midpoint of the walkway on the western edge of the tomb is a monument inscribed with a tanka poem written by Inukai Takashi commemorating the Empress Iwanohime, wife of the Nintoku Emperor.

• Take the JR Hanwa Line and get off at Mozu Station.
• Address: Daisen-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City

Kurohime-yama Tumulus

Kurohime-yama Tumulus is a keyhole-shaped tomb situated facing west and located between Sakai's Mozu and Furuichi Tumulus Group in the cities of Habikino and Fujiidera. The round rear part has a diameter of 67 meters, while the front part has a width of 64 meters. With a total length of 114 meters and a height of 11 meters, the tomb has a two-layer construction. Archeological surveys have revealed an area around the outer moat that was used for festivals and other functions.
Kurohime-yama Tumulus was discovered and surveyed by Suenaga Masao in 1947 soon after the end of World War II. Although Suenaga found that the burial chamber in the rear round part of the tomb had been destroyed by grave robbers, a stone chamber was discovered in the center of the front part of the tomb. Inside the chamber were found 24 suits of armor and a large number of iron weapons and arms, creating a stir at the time.
The Tumulus was designated a national historic site in 1957 (with surrounding areas added in 1978), and environmental work was performed on the site from 1989 to 1992. The iron armor was preserved and is currently on display at the Mihara History Museum.

• Take the Kintetsu bus and get off at the Shimokuroyamanishi stop.
• 529 Kuroyama, Mihara-ku, Sakai City