Mozu Kofun Group
A collection of ancient megalithic tombs in Japan, home to the Daisenryo Kofun, the nation’s largest kofun and a monument to power and craftsmanship from the mid-5th century.
At a glance
The Mozu Kofun Group comprises keyhole-shaped, round, and rectangular burial mounds distributed across Sakai. Once numbering more than 100 tombs, fewer than half survive today. The ensemble represents the apex of kofun construction during Japan’s Kofun Period.
History
The Daisenryo Kofun, the group’s centerpiece and Japan’s largest kofun, was constructed over approximately 20 years in the mid-5th century. While precise attribution remains unconfirmed, it is commonly accepted to have been built for the late Emperor Nintoku—a designation recognized by Japan’s Imperial Household Agency. The broader cemetery complex reflects the monumental ambitions of elite society during the Kofun Period.
What you see
The kofun display three distinct forms: keyhole-shaped mounds (the most elaborate), round tumuli, and rectangular structures. The Daisenryo Kofun exemplifies the monumental scale and engineering demands of imperial tomb construction. Each mound was built to endure, shaped from earth and stone to serve as an eternal monument.
Cultural significance
The Mozu Kofun Group embodies Japan’s early state formation and the ceremonial practices surrounding imperial death. These tombs preserve knowledge of 5th-century society, burial rituals, and the organizational capacity required to mobilize vast labor forces. They stand as testimony to continuity in Japanese imperial tradition.
Key facts
- Country: Japan
- Location: Sakai, Osaka Prefecture
- Coordinates: 34.564°N, 135.487°E
- Period: Mid-5th century (Kofun Period)
- Original extent: More than 100 tombs; fewer than 50% remain
- Largest monument: Daisenryo Kofun (construction period: approximately 20 years)
Practical information & getting there
The Mozu Kofun Group is accessible from Sakai, in Osaka Prefecture. You can reach the site via public transport from Osaka. Ground-level viewing is permitted at designated areas; some mounds offer vantage points for elevated views. For current visiting guidelines and access information, consult local tourism resources or the Sakai City government website.
Sources & resources
- Mozu Kofun Group — Wikipedia
- Cultural Heritage Online
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