Mozu Tombs

The Mozu Tombs (百舌鳥古墳), also known as the Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun or the Mozu-Furuichi Tumulus Clusters (百舌鳥・古市古墳群), are a group of ancient burial mounds located in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The tombs date back to the late 4th to early 5th century AD and are considered one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Japan. In 2019, they were collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Furuichi Kofungun in neighboring Habikino and Fujiidera cities.

The Mozu Tombs comprise 49 identified burial mounds, including some of the largest in Japan. The largest of these, the Daisenryo Kofun (Emperor Nintoku’s tomb), is over 486 meters long and is believed to be the tomb of Emperor Nintoku, who reigned in the 4th century AD. Other notable tombs include the Inariyama Kofun, the Habikino Kofun, and the Imashirozuka Kofun. Most of the tombs are keyhole-shaped (前方後円墳), but there are also round (円墳) and square (方墳) mounds.

The tombs are significant for their elaborate burial chambers, some containing multiple chambers and corridors, as well as the rich variety of artifacts excavated from them. The burial chambers were constructed using large stones and clay, and many of the tombs were surrounded by moats and earthen walls, indicating the high status of the individuals buried within.

Numerous artifacts have been unearthed from the Mozu Tombs, including bronze mirrors, iron swords, jewelry, clay figures (haniwa), and stone coffins. Some of these artifacts are believed to have been produced in Korea or China, suggesting trade and cultural exchange during that period.

Today, the Mozu Tombs are a popular tourist attraction and a National Historic Site. The Sakai City Museum exhibits artifacts from the tombs and offers comprehensive information about the history and culture of the ancient Mozu area.

Getting there

By Train

• Get off at Mozu Station on the JR Hanwa Line
• About 22 minutes from Tennoji Station to Mozu Station
• Approximately 5-minute walk from Mozu Station to Daisen Park

Travel Time from Major Stations

• From Shin-Osaka Station: Take the Midosuji Line to Tennoji Station, then transfer to the JR Hanwa Line
• From Kansai International Airport: Direct access via JR Hanwa Line (about 50 minutes)

Points of Interest

Daisen Park	Features many small and medium-sized burial mounds
Sakai City Hall 21st Floor Observation Lobby	Free view of the entire tomb cluster
Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun	Japan’s largest burial mound (about 2.8km in circumference)