Sakai Hamono Museum

Also called Daisenryo Kofun, Daisen Kofun, or Nintoku-ryo Kofun, this is one of the largest tombs in Japan and the world, and is shaped like a front-recessed circular mound.

It belongs to one of the tumulus groups, the Mozu Kofun Cluster, and is administered by the Imperial Household Agency as the Mozu Mimihara Naka-ryo, the mausoleum of the 16th Emperor Nintoku.

In 2019, the Mozu and Furuichi Kofun Tumulus Group was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.

This largest front-recessed circular mound in Japan is approximately 486 m in length, 249 m in diameter at the rear and 35 m in height, and 305 m in width and 33 m in height at the front.

The mound was constructed in three tiers, with a moat on both sides and a three-layered moat around the mound. The present outer moat was dug out during the Meiji period (1868-1912).

In 1872, a long-limbed sarcophagus in a pit-type stone chamber was exposed in the front part of the moat, and swords, armor, glass jars and plates were excavated.

In addition, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (U.S.A.) has in its collection a mirror with a narrow band design and a single phoenix ring-headed sword, which were reportedly excavated from this burial mound.

In addition, more than 10 small burial mounds, called “bicho,” have been identified around the mound.

Although there is no doubt that the burial mound is the largest forward-rear circular mound in Japan, recent excavations have unearthed fragments of a Sue ware jar from a mound excavation, suggesting that the burial mound was likely constructed in the mid to late 5th century, and thus, archaeologists are rejecting the idea that the tomb was the tomb of Emperor Nintoku.

The area has a well-maintained walking path and is surrounded by dense forests inhabited by many birds and insects. Together with Daisen Park, it has been selected as one of the 100 best places for greenery in Osaka.