Ancient site · Tomb
Hashihaka Kofun
Hashihaka, in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, is one of the earliest large keyhole-shaped burial mounds in Japan, often taken as the start of the Kofun period. Some archaeologists date it to the mid to late 3rd century, close to the death of Queen Himiko of Yamatai, whom Chinese chronicles say died around 248, and suggest it may be her tomb.
Others date it to the 4th century. The Imperial Household Agency manages it as the tomb of a legendary princess, Yamato Totohi Momoso, and allows only limited survey, so the debate remains open.
- Dates
- mid-3rd to early 4th century CE (debated)
- Still standing
- Yes
- Location
- 34.54° N, 135.84° E
How we know
The mound is real, but it has never been fully excavated, its date is argued, and whether it is the tomb of Queen Himiko is unproven.
Nearby sites
- Daisenryō Kofun mid-5th century CE
- Yoshinogari before 400 BCE – 3rd century CE
- Bangudae Petroglyphs c. 5000 BCE – 9th century CE (approximate)
- Ōyu Stone Circles c. 2000–1500 BCE
- Sannai-Maruyama c. 3900–2300 BCE
- Songguk-ri c. 850–300 BCE
Related
- Kofun culture (early Yamato) archaeological culture
- The world in 200: Han China Crumbles chapter