A Monumental Three-Tiered Kofun
Daisenryo Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound, consisting of a rectangular front section and a rounded rear section. The mound was constructed in three tiers, with protruding platforms at both sides of the narrow central section.
The mound is surrounded by three concentric moats. The present outer moat was re-excavated during the Meiji period, while restoration and archaeological research have helped reveal aspects of the original layout.
Traditionally Identified as the Tomb of Emperor Nintoku
The individual buried at Daisenryo Kofun has not been conclusively established. However, the Imperial Household Agency officially designates it as Mozu no Mimihara no Naka no Misasagi, the imperial mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku.
For this reason, the site is commonly known as Nintoku Tenno-ryo or Nintoku’s Tomb. Because the identity of the actual burial remains uncertain, the name “Daisenryo Kofun” is also widely used.
Part of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site
On July 6, 2019, UNESCO inscribed the Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun, including Daisenryo Kofun, on the World Heritage List as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
The inscription brought international attention to these enormous ancient burial mounds and highlighted their importance as archaeological and cultural heritage.
When Was the Kofun Built?
Based on characteristics of excavated cylindrical haniwa clay figures and Sue ware pottery, the construction of Daisenryo Kofun is thought to date from the early to middle fifth century.
Burial objects discovered in the front section have characteristics dating to the late fifth century. These are thought to be associated with a secondary burial facility incorporated into the mound.
Enormous Scale Revealed by Three-Dimensional Surveying
Daisenryo Kofun is the largest kofun in Japan. Official data from Sakai City and the results of a three-dimensional survey conducted by the Imperial Household Agency provide measurements that illustrate its remarkable scale.
Major Dimensions
Maximum length including the surrounding area: 840 meters
Maximum width including the surrounding area: 654 meters
Mound length: approximately 525.1 meters
Rear circular section diameter: approximately 286.33 meters
Rear circular section height: approximately 39.8 meters
Earlier measurements listed the mound length as 486 meters, the rear section diameter as 249 meters, and its height as 35.8 meters. More detailed three-dimensional surveying produced the larger figures above.
The enormous mound exceeds other Japanese kofun in scale and ranks among the world’s largest ancient burial monuments. Its vast base and surface areas, as well as its immense volume, demonstrate the extraordinary amount of labor and resources required for its construction.
The Mound and Three Moats
The front section of Daisenryo Kofun faces south, while the entire keyhole-shaped structure is surrounded by three moats.
Part of the outermost moat was reclaimed during the Edo period. Today, the appearance of the original three-moat arrangement has been restored in the surrounding landscape.
In 2021, cylindrical haniwa were discovered arranged along the first embankment, providing evidence of how part of the kofun may have appeared when it was originally constructed.
Smaller Burial Mounds Around Daisenryo
More than 10 smaller kofun known as “baicho” or subsidiary burial mounds have also been identified around Daisenryo Kofun. These smaller mounds are thought to have been associated with the main burial monument.
Stone Coverings and Haniwa
Archaeological investigations indicate that the slopes of the mound were covered with fukiishi stones, while rows of cylindrical haniwa were placed around the upper sections.
Because the site is currently managed by the Imperial Household Agency, detailed archaeological investigation is difficult. However, objects discovered in the past provide clues about the elaborate appearance and burial culture of the kofun’s construction period.
Burial Facilities and Grave Goods
The rear circular section is believed to contain the burial of an important individual. During the Edo period, records described the presence of a long chest-shaped stone sarcophagus.
Grave goods associated with the kofun include armor, swords, and glass vessels, offering valuable insights into the wealth, technology, and elaborate funerary culture of ancient Japan.
Armor and Swords
Among the armor are kabuto helmets with projecting visors and tanko short armor decorated with gilt-bronze fittings. Archaeological discoveries also include 20 iron swords, reflecting the sophisticated metalworking technology of the period.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in the United States also holds objects said to have been excavated from this kofun, including a mirror decorated with fine-line animal motifs and a sword with a single-phoenix pommel.
Walking Around the Kofun
Daisenryo Kofun is an important sightseeing destination for visitors interested in Japanese history and ancient culture. Walking routes have been developed around the mound, along with viewing areas that allow visitors to appreciate its enormous scale from the outside.
The surrounding area is covered by dense greenery and provides habitat for many birds and insects. Together with nearby Daisen Park, the area has been selected as one of the 100 Green Landscapes of Osaka.
Discover Ancient Japan at Daisenryo Kofun
Daisenryo Kofun is an extraordinary monument that represents the power, technology, and burial traditions of ancient Japan. It is the largest keyhole-shaped burial mound in Japan and is traditionally designated as the mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku, although the identity of the actual individual buried there has not been conclusively established.
Its immense scale, surrounding moats, haniwa, archaeological discoveries, and connection with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun make it an especially significant destination for understanding Japan’s ancient history.
A visit to Daisenryo Kofun offers travelers the chance to experience the scale and mystery of one of the world’s greatest ancient burial monuments while exploring the historic landscape of Sakai.