Can I enter the Mausoleum of Emperor Ōjin?

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.

How do I get to the Mausoleum of Emperor Ōjin?

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.

Is there an admission fee?

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.

What else can I see in the area?

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.

Mausoleum of Emperor Ojin, Habikino

4.3 (152)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.

What other travelers are saying about Mausoleum of Emperor Ojin, Habikino

I got off at Furuichi station and walked through the local streets. Some areas have nice paths but there were few signs that directed me to the worship place, even though I was fairly close to the mound. I was surprised to see many neighbourhood farms and also fig farms! Although this is the second biggest kofun in Japan, it is the biggest in terms of mass volume because of its height. It was indeed taller than others I’ve seen so I was impressed!

エレン

May 29, 2021

A historical visit that is great to experience. Not much else to see or do there.

As is common with huge ancient tombs, it's simply so big that it's hard to see the whole picture. However, the shrine at the front of the keyhole-shaped tomb is filled with a solemn atmosphere, and at the rear, from Konuda Shrine, which enshrines Emperor Ojin, there is a Soribashi bridge across which the spirit is carried in a portable shrine during festivals. It strikes me that this isn't just a tomb, but a form of faith itself. It's easy to see why it wasn't easily used as a castle like the surrounding tombs.

It is one of the components of the World Heritage Site "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group - Ancient Japanese Tombs." It is the second largest keyhole-shaped tumulus in Japan. The prayer hall felt spacious. Recently, it has become possible to see Daisenryo Kofun from above in a hot air balloon, so I would like to see it someday.

Konda Gobyoyama Kofun is designated as the tomb of Emperor Ojin. It is the largest in the Furuichi Kofun Group and the second largest in Japan after Daisenryo Kofun. As it has not been developed into a tourist destination, the number of visitors is extremely low, and it stands quietly and serenely despite its enormous size.