Mausoleum of Emperor Ōjin

4.3 (151)Historical LandmarkHistorical PlacePoint Of InterestEstablishment

The Mausoleum of Emperor Ōjin, known locally as Kondayama-kofun, is Japan's second-largest ancient tomb and a testament to the country's kofun period. Located in Habikino City in Osaka Prefecture, this massive keyhole-shaped burial mound dates back to the late 4th to early 5th century and is traditionally attributed to Emperor Ōjin, the 15th emperor of Japan. The mausoleum measures approximately 425 meters in length and covers an area of roughly 36 hectares, making it an extraordinary example of ancient Japanese funerary architecture.

The site holds profound cultural significance as part of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. These ancient burial mounds reflect the power and sophisticated engineering capabilities of the Yamato state during Japan's formative period. The distinctive keyhole shape, known as zenpō-kōen-fun, symbolizes the political and religious authority of early Japanese rulers. The mound is surrounded by three moats and covered with dense vegetation, creating an imposing presence that has remained largely unchanged for over 1,600 years.

Visitors should note that the mausoleum itself is managed by the Imperial Household Agency and entry to the burial mound is strictly prohibited as it remains a sacred imperial site. However, the exterior can be viewed from designated observation points and walking paths around the perimeter. The best vantage point is from the southern side where the full scale of the keyhole shape becomes apparent. The nearby Habikino City Furuichi-Haji Museum provides essential context with exhibits about the kofun period, archaeological findings, and scale models of the burial mounds.

The mausoleum is accessible from Konda Station on the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line, approximately 10 minutes on foot. Alternatively, visitors can reach the site from central Osaka in about 30-40 minutes by train. There is no admission fee to view the mausoleum from the exterior observation areas. The site can be easily combined with visits to other nearby kofun tombs in the Furuichi area, and cycling is a popular way to explore the wider archaeological landscape. English signage is limited, so downloading information in advance or visiting the museum first is recommended for international travelers.

The area

Address

日本、〒583-0857 大阪府羽曳野市誉田６丁目

What other travelers are saying about Mausoleum of Emperor Ōjin

応神天皇陵に治定されている誉田御廟山古墳。古市古墳群最大で日本では大仙陵古墳に次いで2番目の大きさ。観光地化されていないこともあって、訪れる人も圧倒的に少なく、巨大な割にひっそりと静謐に佇んでいます。

こばを

2025/11/29

巨大古墳あるあるで、とにかく大き過ぎて全貌がよく分かりません。が、前方後円墳の前方の拝所は荘厳な雰囲気に満ち、後方の応神天皇を祀る誉田神社からは祭事の際に御霊を神輿に載せて渡御する反橋があります。ただの古墳に非ず、信仰そのものなんだと思いました。周りの古墳のように、簡単にお城に利用されなかったのも分かる気がします。

世界遺産『百舌鳥・古市古墳群-古代日本の墳墓群』構成資産の一つ。全国で2番目に巨大な前方後円墳です。拝所は広く感じられました。最近大仙陵古墳を気球で上から見れるようになったのでこちらもいつか見てみたいなぁと思っています。

神の名を持つ３人の天皇の一人、応神天皇の古墳。前方後円墳の円側に誉田八幡宮があり、方側（誉田円山古墳）拝所がある。 Googleマップでは民家のど真ん中に連れて行かれるので要注意！

5世紀前半につくられた前方後円墳で、国内第2位の規模を誇る応神天皇陵古墳。3段に築かれた墳丘の高さは36mで、盛り土の量は全国一の約143万mと推定されます。墳丘のすぐ横の小道を歩けば、その大きさが実感できるはず。古墳の南側には、応神天皇ゆかりの誉田八幡宮が鎮座しています。また、羽曳野市役所のすぐ西側にある墓山古墳も堂々たる規模を持ち、周辺には墓山古墳と関連の深い古墳（陪塚）も存在します。その一つの向墓山古墳の近くには文化財展示室があり、古市古墳群出土の見事な埴輪などを見学することができます。

No, entry to the mausoleum itself is strictly prohibited. The site is managed by the Imperial Household Agency and remains a sacred imperial burial ground. Visitors can only view the tomb from designated observation points and walking paths around its perimeter. The southern side offers the best views of the keyhole-shaped structure.

The mausoleum is located in Habikino City, Osaka Prefecture. Take the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line to Konda Station, and the site is approximately 10 minutes on foot. From central Osaka, the journey takes about 30-40 minutes by train. The area is also popular for cycling if you want to explore multiple kofun tombs in the Furuichi region.

No, there is no admission fee to view the mausoleum from the exterior observation areas. However, if you wish to visit the nearby Habikino City Furuichi-Haji Museum for more detailed information about the kofun period and archaeological findings, there is a small museum admission fee.

The Furuichi area contains numerous other ancient kofun burial mounds that can be explored on foot or by bicycle. The Habikino City Furuichi-Haji Museum is highly recommended for understanding the historical context, with exhibits featuring scale models and archaeological artifacts. The entire Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group spans across Habikino, Fujiidera, and Sakai cities, offering a comprehensive look at Japan's ancient burial mound culture.