🗺️ Mozu and Furuichi Kofun Group百舌鳥・古市古墳群

The Mozu and Furuichi Kofun Groups are located in the "Mozu area" of Sakai City and the "Furuichi area" of Habikino and Fujidera City in Osaka Prefecture. They are burial mounds of the rulers of ancient Japan and were registered as Osaka's first World Heritage Site in 2019. Kofun are tombs built during the Kofun period (mid-3rd century to late 6th century), characterized by mounds of earth. The Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group was constructed from the late 4th century to the late 5th century and is situated in the Osaka Plain, one of the political and cultural centers of ancient Japan. These variously shaped and sized kofun serve as architectural representations of ancient political and social structures, filled with historical romance. In particular, the "Nintoku Tenno Ryo" is located in the central part of the Mozu area and is known as one of the "Three Great Tombs of the World," alongside the pyramids of the Pharaohs and the tomb of Qin Shi Huang. Its keyhole shape measures 486 meters in length, making it the largest kofun in Japan. A walk around the well-maintained outer perimeter takes about an hour, showcasing its grandeur. The tomb of Emperor Nintoku, the 16th emperor, is currently maintained and managed by the Imperial Household Agency. On the other hand, the "Ojin Tenno Ryo" is located in the center of the Furuichi area. It is the second largest keyhole-shaped kofun in Japan, standing 36 meters tall, and its volume is the largest in the country, making it quite imposing. All the ancient tombs can be freely visited from the outside, and first-time visitors are encouraged to follow the designated walking route. There are many shops selling kofun-themed merchandise and cafes offering kofun-shaped delicacies, allowing visitors to rest while exploring. Additionally, paid guided tours are available, provided by local volunteers knowledgeable about the ancient tombs and the history of the area.

The tomb of the kings who ruled ancient Japan. In 2019, it was registered as Osaka's first World Heritage Site. The Nintoku Tenno Ryo is the largest keyhole-shaped tomb in Japan and is of world-class scale. Visitors can freely explore any of the ancient tombs from the outside and experience the romance of history. Paid guided tours are also available through local volunteers.