Fujinoki Kofun Burial Mound

In short

Fujinoki Kofun Burial Mound is a round burial mound built in the latter half of the 6th century, located about 350 meters west of the Sai-in Precinct of Horyu-ji Temple. During the first excavation survey in 1985, a vermilion-painted house-shaped stone coffin was discovered alongside gilt-bronze harness fittings—including saddle fittings with decorative metalwork unprecedented anywhere in the world—bringing it instant fame. The mound is a national Historic Site, and the excavated artifacts are National Treasures.

• ​Stone Chamber Entrance​​: Normally, you can view the stone chamber and stone coffin through the glass window of the door fitted at the entrance of the chamber.
• ​Special Public Openings in Spring and Autumn​​: In spring and autumn, special openings of the stone chamber allow visitors to experience the large horizontal-entry stone chamber and the vermilion-painted house-shaped stone coffin up close.
• ​Replicas of Excavated Artifacts​​: At the Ikaruga Cultural Properties Center, located about 200 meters south of the mound, you can learn about the burial mound through video presentations and replicas of key excavated artifacts.

History and Highlights

​Fujinoki Kofun Burial Mound​ is a round burial mound located in Horyuji Nishi 2-chome, Ikaruga Town. Built in the latter half of the 6th century, it has a diameter of about 50 meters and a height of about 9 meters. It is situated about 350 meters west of the Sai-in Precinct of Horyu-ji Temple and was designated a national Historic Site on November 16, 1991.

In the first survey in 1985, a large horizontal-entry stone chamber was discovered, containing a vermilion-painted house-shaped stone coffin. The gap between the stone coffin and the back wall of the stone chamber was only 80 centimeters. From this narrow space, gilt-bronze horse gear was found. Among these items, the saddle fittings feature rich ornamentation that is unique in the world, adorned with openwork designs depicting phoenixes, elephants, and demonic faces. This major discovery at the time was known as "Fujinoki Fever." September 25, the day the findings of the first survey were reported, is designated as "Fujinoki Kofun Day."

From inside the stone coffin, luxurious grave goods—such as a gilt-bronze crown, shoes, and long swords—along with the remains of two individuals were confirmed. The identities of the deceased remain unknown. While a leading theory suggests that Prince Anahobe, an uncle of Prince Shotoku, and Prince Yakabe were buried together, this is not certain.

Viewing and Experience Tips

• ​Viewing the Stone Chamber from the Entrance Window​​: Normally, the actual stone chamber and stone coffin can be viewed through the glass window of the door set at the chamber's entrance. Viewed from directly above the mound with north at the top, the entrance faces the 4 o'clock direction of a clock.
• ​Special Stone Chamber Openings in Spring and Autumn​​: Special public viewings of the stone chamber take place in spring and autumn, allowing visitors to step inside and experience the impressive large horizontal-entry stone chamber and the vermilion-painted house-shaped stone coffin. Please check the dates through announcements from Ikaruga Town.
• ​Development as a Historic Site​​: The preservation and development work of the burial mound was completed in March 2008. The archaeological research conducted in conjunction with this development aimed to confirm the shape and scale of the mound, as well as to clarify details regarding Hoshaku-ji Temple, which historically venerated Fujinoki Kofun Burial Mound.

Walking Tips

From JR Horyuji Station, take a Nara Kotsu bus to the "Horyuji-sando" bus stop and walk west for about 10 minutes. From JR Oji Station or Kintetsu Tsutsui Station, take a bus to the "Ikaruga-cho Yakuba" (town hall) stop and walk north for about 5 minutes. As there is no parking lot at the mound, please arrive by public transit or use the parking areas around Horyu-ji Temple. Some of the major actual excavated artifacts are exhibited at the Museum, Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, in Kashihara City. At the Ikaruga Cultural Properties Center, located about 200 meters south of the mound, you can learn about the burial mound through video displays and replicas of main excavated artifacts, making it a great place to stop before heading to the mound itself. Walking about 350 meters east from the mound brings you to the Sai-in Precinct of Horyu-ji Temple. You can explore the village of Ikaruga together with Chugu-ji Temple, Horin-ji Temple, and Hoki-ji Temple.