Over yonder lies the Kaizanzuka Kofun. It is a silent sentinel of Osaka’s past. Kaizanzuka Kofun is also known as Kunisawa No. 1 Tumulus. This ancient burial mound whispers tales of emperors. It also tells stories of powerful clans.
Kaizanzuka Kofun resides within the grounds of the Hōzō-ji Temple. The tumulus forms part of the wider Gochi-Kunasawa Tumulus Group. It helps create the northern Gochi-Kunasawa sub-group. This historical site is a keyhole-shaped burial mound. It stretches 30 meters in diameter and 5.8 meters high.
The construction of Kaizanzuka Kofun dates back to the late Kofun period. This was around the mid-6th to late-6th century AD. It is a testament to the sophisticated burial practices of the time. The tumulus features a two-sleeved, horizontal stone chamber. It opens to the southwest.
Inside the Kaizanzuka Kofun, the stone chamber stretches 13.05 meters. The burial chamber alone covers 15.74 square meters. This makes it one of the largest stone chambers in the Gochi-Kunasawa Tumulus Group.
Excavations have not been carried out inside the stone chamber. But stone coffin fragments have been recovered. Also Sue pottery shards have been found. The stone materials came from nearby valleys. The chamber comprises granite. The antechamber features two or three stacked layers. The entrance boasts two layers of stacked stones on the west side. Three layers fortify the east side.
Kaizanzuka Kofun is part of the “Gochi-Kunasawa Thousand Tumuli Group.” This area gained national historic site designation. The site is significant for understanding ancient power structures. It helps us understand relationships between the Yamato kingship. It also reveals insight into surrounding clans.
Edward S. Morse surveyed this area in 1879. He highlighted Kaizanzuka Kofun. He described it in detail. He called it a key example of Japanese dolmens. The site gained early recognition in Western academic circles. This helped to shape future tumulus research.
Today the summit of Kaizanzuka Kofun is leveled. It now serves as a graveyard. Successive abbots of Hōzō-ji Temple are buried here. In 2004, a survey meticulously measured the tumulus. It recorded details of the stone chamber. This helped experts to better understand the ancient structure.
As you stand before Kaizanzuka Kofun, remember its historical journey. It started as a place of rest for powerful figures. Now Kaizanzuka Kofun serves as a testament to ancient craftsmanship. Kaizanzuka Kofun also underscores the enduring legacy of Japan’s past.