Cycling the Mozu Kofun Group: The Great Tumuli of Nintoku, Richu, and Nisanzai

This course takes you on a rental bicycle from the tourist information center in Daisen Park to explore the massive keyhole-shaped burial mounds scattered across the World Heritage Mozu Kofun Group. In a single day, you can compare five burial mounds: Daisen Kofun Burial Mound (the largest in Japan), Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun Burial Mound (the 3rd largest in Japan), Haze Nisanzai Kofun Burial Mound (the 7th largest), Itasuke Kofun Burial Mound (protected by a preservation movement), and Gobyoyama Kofun Burial Mound (where many details were uncovered through excavations).

History and Regional Appeal

In the urban area of Sakai lies the Mozu Kofun Group, where more than 100 large and small tumuli once gathered. In 2019, it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site as the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group.

Regarding the period of construction, Itasuke Kofun Burial Mound and Gobyoyama Kofun Burial Mound are believed to date from the early 5th century, Daisen Kofun Burial Mound from the mid-5th century, and Haze Nisanzai Kofun Burial Mound from the late 5th century. Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun Burial Mound is thought to have been built earlier than the Emperor Nintoku Tumulus based on its shape and excavated haniwa (terracotta clay figures).

Daisen Kofun Burial Mound and Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun Burial Mound were constructed with their front square portions facing south; it is said that their locations and orientations were chosen with a strong awareness of the view from Osaka Bay. On the other hand, Itasuke Kofun Burial Mound, Gobyoyama Kofun Burial Mound, and Haze Nisanzai Kofun Burial Mound face west. The burial mounds are scattered over an area of approximately 4 kilometers square, and traveling by bicycle makes it easy to appreciate their respective sizes.

Key Highlights

• ​Daisen Kofun Burial Mound​​: With a total length of about 486 meters, it is Japan's largest keyhole-shaped tumulus and is currently managed by the Imperial Household Agency as the mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku. The mound is surrounded by triple moats, along which a 2.8-kilometer perimeter path is established. From the torii gate and prayer area (haisho) at the southern moat, you can see the lower section of the burial mound.
• ​Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun Burial Mound​​: With a total length of about 365 meters, it is the 3rd largest in Japan. It is managed by the Imperial Household Agency as the mausoleum of Emperor Richu. The mound is well viewed from the front prayer area and the path along the eastern moat. Its scale can also be experienced from the Ishizugaoka viewing spot and the observation deck at the former site of Shichikanyama Kofun Burial Mound.
• ​Itasuke Kofun Burial Mound​​: A tumulus with a total length of about 146 meters. Around 1955 (Showa 30), it was in danger of being destroyed by soil extraction work, but preservation was decided through a citizens' movement, and it was designated a National Historic Site in 1956 (Showa 31). The bridge girders that still remain in the moat are remnants from that time. The helmet-shaped haniwa found during the preservation movement has become the symbol mark for the protection of cultural properties in Sakai City.
• ​Gobyoyama Kofun Burial Mound​​: Through excavation surveys in 2008 (Heisei 20), the mound length was reconstructed as 203 meters, making it the 4th largest in the Mozu Kofun Group. Around it remains a shield-shaped moat known as Gobyo Pond. Among the west-facing mounds of the Mozu Kofun Group, it is the 2nd largest.
• ​Haze Nisanzai Kofun Burial Mound​​: With a total length of about 300 meters, it is the 7th largest in Japan and the 3rd largest in the Mozu Kofun Group. It is the largest among the west-facing mounds, and excavations have led to the belief that the largest wooden bridge in domestic Kofun period history once spanned here. The adjacent Goryoyama Park features a walking course along the moat, allowing you to view the mound from various angles.

Recommended Route and Required Time

The estimated time required is about 5 hours. Bicycles can be rented at the Daisen Park Tourist Information Center, located 350 meters west of Mozu Station on the JR Hanwa Line. The information center is inside the Mozu Kofun Group Visitor Center adjacent to the Emperor Nintoku Tumulus.

First, cycle around the perimeter path encircling Daisen Kofun Burial Mound to experience its massive scale. After paying respects at the southern prayer area, head about 1.4 kilometers southwest to Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun Burial Mound. After viewing it from the front prayer area and the path along the eastern moat, travel about 770 meters east to Itasuke Kofun Burial Mound, and another 470 meters east to reach Gobyoyama Kofun Burial Mound. Finally, extend your route about 1.1 kilometers southeast to Haze Nisanzai Kofun Burial Mound, and view the large mound from the walking course along the moat in the adjacent Goryoyama Park. Returning involves a ride of about 2 kilometers northwest back to Daisen Park.

A replica of the helmet-shaped haniwa unearthed from Itasuke Kofun Burial Mound is displayed at the Sakai City Museum inside Daisen Park. If time permits, stopping by the museum will give you an even deeper understanding of the burial mounds seen throughout the day.

Summary of the Experience

Circle Japan's largest burial mound along its moat, and then visit a succession of tumuli of varying sizes and orientations. While encountering the stories of a small tumulus protected by local citizens and a massive tumulus where wooden bridge remains were discovered, enjoy the Mozu Kofun Group—where giant tombs from the Kofun period remain within the modern city—with the lightness and mobility unique to cycling.