Daisen-ryo Kofun (Tomb of Emperor Nintoku)

Imagine one of the most massive structures of antiquity, rivaling the Great Pyramids of Egypt in size. Daisen-kofun (Tomb of Emperor Nintoku) is the largest tumulus burial mound in Japan, located near the city of Ibaraki. It features a unique keyhole shape, which was characteristic of high-ranking nobility burials of that era.

Daisen Kofun (Tomb of Emperor Nintoku). Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This colossal mound, 486 meters long, is part of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, which is rightfully included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Covering an area of about 65,000 square meters, the entire structure is surrounded by a deep moat and blanketed in lush greenery, giving it the appearance of a mysterious forest island in the middle of a modern urban landscape.

The internal structure of the tomb is impressively complex, consisting of seven steps paved with millions of white stones. Managed by the Imperial Household Agency, Daisen-kofun is considered a sacred site and is closed to the public, which only adds to its atmosphere of mystery and exclusivity.

For more information about visiting this historical location, you can refer to official sources. Although the tomb is managed by the Imperial Household Agency, inquiry services are available for tourists.

Since the tomb grounds themselves are closed to visitors, the main activity for travelers is a walk along the picturesque circular trail. It stretches for nearly 3 kilometers, allowing you to fully appreciate the gargantuan dimensions of the ancient structure and enjoy the tranquility of the park zone.

The "keyhole" shape makes a particularly strong impression when viewed from above. It is highly recommended to stop by the Sakai City Museum, where you can take a virtual VR tour of the burial mounds using drone footage. This is the only way to see the geometry of Daisen-kofun in all its grandeur without taking to the sky yourself.

It's also worth paying attention to the details: the tiers of the mound were once home to up to 29,000 clay haniwa figures. These figures of warriors, horses, and buildings can be seen today at the Osaka Prefectural Chikatsu Asuka Museum. By examining them, you can better imagine how this sacred place looked in ancient times when it was adorned with thousands of terracotta statues.

Reaching this unique historical monument is quite simple, as it is located in Osaka Prefecture. The main transportation hub is the city of Sakai. If you are traveling from central Osaka, the most convenient option is to take the Nankai Koya Line to Sakai Station. The trip takes about 20–30 minutes, after which the Daisen-cho area can be reached on foot or by local bus.

For those traveling from Tokyo, the ideal option is the Shinkansen high-speed train to Osaka (the journey takes about 2.5 hours), followed by a transfer to local transport. Parking for cars is available near the archaeological park, and the area itself is very convenient for walking or cycling along specially designed routes.

If you prefer maximum comfort, you can take a taxi from central Sakai or the nearest train station. Using online maps will help you navigate schedules accurately and choose the shortest path to the park entrance.

The construction of Daisen-kofun dates back to the early 5th century. It is believed that this massive structure was built for Emperor Nintoku, the sixteenth ruler of Japan. The scale of the project is staggering even today: historians estimate that construction took about 16 years, with more than 2,000 people working on-site daily.

An incredible discovery came from excavations in 2018. Archaeologists found that the interior of the mound is lined with a layer of 50 million white stones. Scholars debate their purpose: some see it as a technical solution to prevent erosion, while others see deep sacred meaning related to purity and eternity.

In 2025, the collection of artifacts from the mound was enriched by unique finds, including a ceremonial knife and gilded armor. These items, dated back to 1872, became the first officially confirmed artifacts to leave the tomb grounds. Pottery finds from the late 5th century also helped researchers more accurately establish the chronology of this period in Japanese history.

The structure of the mound itself includes seven steps, a characteristic feature specifically of imperial burials. Daisen-kofun remains a vital symbol of the Kofun period, when Sakai was a key port connecting Japan with mainland Asia, from where the traditions of creating such megalithic structures originated.

For a standard visit to this landmark, tourists are recommended to allocate about 1–2 hours. This time is quite sufficient for a leisurely walk along the trail surrounding the mound and to appreciate its scale from various perspectives.

If you want a deeper dive into the history of the Kofun period, it's worth planning an additional 1–2 hours to visit the Sakai City Museum or the Osaka Prefectural Chikatsu Asuka Museum. Thus, a full excursion including the exhibits will take you about half a day.

The area surrounding the mound and the observation decks are accessible to visitors at any time. According to official data, the site is open 24/7, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This allows tourists to plan their visit for early morning to catch the mist over the moat, or in the evening for a stroll in a peaceful atmosphere. However, please remember that nearby museums operate on their own individual schedules.

A visit to the Tomb of Emperor Nintoku can be complemented by exploring other interesting sites in the region. Its proximity to major urban centers makes it easy to switch from ancient history to modern entertainment or relaxation.