Daisen Kofun — Emperor Nintoku's Keyhole Tomb (5th Century)

Published: Jun 2, 2026

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Daisen KofunEmperor Nintokuancient tombUNESCOarchaeology

Daisen Kofun — Emperor Nintoku's Keyhole Tomb (5th Century)

Daisen Kofun (大仙古墳), also known as Emperor Nintoku's Tomb, is the world's largest tomb by area — a 486-meter keyhole-shaped (前方後円墳) burial mound from the 5th century CE. The tomb is surrounded by three moats and forests, creating a 47-hectare complex visible from above as a distinct keyhole shape. The tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2019) as part of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group.

The tomb's interior is sealed and has never been archaeologically excavated (Imperial Household Agency prohibits excavation of imperial tombs), leaving its contents and exact construction date mysterious. Visitors cannot enter the tomb grounds but can walk the perimeter and view from observation platform.

Opening Hours

Tomb perimeter walk: always accessible | Sakai City Hall observation deck: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Closed: Tomb perimeter: never closed | City Hall observation deck: closed Dec 29–Jan 3

Entrance Fee

Free | Kofun cycling route: bicycle rental ¥300/day (Mozu Station)

Best Season

Year-round | Spring for moat reflections and greenery

Visit Duration

45–60 minutes (perimeter walk + observation deck) | Half day for kofun cycling route

Getting There

Access Information

Daisen-cho, Sakai Ward, Sakai City. 10-min walk from Mikunigaoka Station (JR). Free to walk perimeter. Observation platform (nearby Sakai City Hall 21F): free, 9:00–21:00. Visit duration: 45–60 minutes for perimeter walk + observation deck. Bicycle rental available nearby for wider kofun area exploration.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Keyhole tomb significance:** Kofun (古墳, 'old tomb') period (250–538 CE) saw construction of massive keyhole-shaped burial mounds for emperors and nobility. The keyhole shape (round rear section conn