Mesahozuka Kofun

Overview

Mesahozuka Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound (zenpō-kōen-fun) in Miyake, Saito, Miyazaki Prefecture, and one of the tombs making up the Saitobaru Kofun Cluster. Together with the adjacent Osahozuka Kofun, it is known as one of the largest kofun in the Kyushu region. It is estimated to have been built in the first half of the 5th century, during the middle of the Kofun period.

Highlights

• ●A keyhole-shaped mound said to be among the largest in Kyushu
• ●A principal tomb within the Saitobaru Kofun Cluster
• ●The paired landscape with the neighboring Osahozuka Kofun
• ●Its estimated construction in the middle Kofun period, early 5th century

History

The actual occupant is unknown, but the Imperial Household Agency has designated it as the "Mesahozuka Mausoleum Reference Site," with Konohanasakuya-hime named as a candidate for burial. It stands adjacent to the Osahozuka Mausoleum Reference Site (Osahozuka Kofun) to the north, and together the two tombs form the largest kofun in the Kyushu region. Construction is estimated to date to the first half of the 5th century, during the middle Kofun period.

Map

32.1199, 131.3847 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Visit the Saitobaru Kofun Cluster to grasp the extent of the mounds
2. 2Observe the keyhole shape of Mesahozuka Kofun
3. 3Tour the adjacent Osahozuka Kofun as well
4. 4Stop by tourist facilities around the nearby town

Did you know?

💡 Mesahozuka Kofun and Osahozuka Kofun are regarded as the largest kofun in the Kyushu region.

Nearby spots