Mausoleum of Emperor Ōjin

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.