Daisen Kofun Tomb
Massive keyhole-shaped kofun tomb, one of largest
A massive keyhole‑shaped kofun in Sakai believed to be the burial mound of an early Japanese ruler; visible from adjoining parkland and of interest to visitors studying ancient burial practices.
Daisen Kofun at a Glance#
About Daisen Kofun#
Daisen Kofun is a large keyhole-shaped kofun burial mound located in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, Japan and is commonly identified with the tomb traditionally attributed to Emperor Nintoku. It is one of the largest ancient burial mounds in Japan and a landmark within the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group.
The tumulus measures roughly 486 metres in total length and is set within multiple moats and terraced embankments that remain visible today. Visitors primarily view the mound and moats from surrounding parkland and observation points rather than entering the burial area itself.
The mound was constructed during the Kofun period, generally dated to the late 4th to early 5th centuries AD, and has long been associated in tradition with an early Japanese sovereign. Over time the site has remained a distinct earthwork within the urban area of Sakai and has been the subject of archaeological study and preservation.
Daisen Kofun sits in the Mozu area of Sakai city, on the plain near Osaka and close to Osaka Bay. The site is immediately accessible from Sakai and is within the greater Osaka metropolitan area, with visitor facilities and interpretation provided in nearby park spaces.
- World Heritage status: Recognised as part of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019.
- Size and shape: About 486 metres long, it is among the largest kofun burial mounds in Japan and one of the largest ancient burial mounds worldwide.
- Access: The burial mound itself is not open to the public; viewing is from surrounding parkland and observation points.
What to See#
- Main tumulus: A wide rectangular burial mound with a distinctive keyhole shape, measuring approximately 486 metres in total length and surrounded by moats and embankments.
- Moats and grounds: Surrounding moats and parkland that create visible terraces and water features used for distant viewing and interpretation.
- Local museum and park areas: Neighbouring museums and park spaces in Sakai that provide context and displays about the Mozu-Furuichi kofun group and Kofun-period archaeology.
How to Get to Daisen Kofun#
The site is accessible from Sakai city; local buses and taxis connect from Sakai Station. The area around the tumulus has parkland paths and public viewing areas.
Tips for Visiting Daisen Kofun#
- The mound is protected; visitors should respect restricted areas and signage - the surrounding park is pleasant for walks but the burial mound itself is not generally open to the public.
- Bring a guidebook or local guide to understand the scale: Daisen Kofun is one of the largest keyhole-shaped tumuli in the world.
Best Time to Visit Daisen Kofun#
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting the parkland around the kofun; access to the burial mound itself is limited.
Weather & Climate near Daisen Kofun#
Daisen Kofun's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1367 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 1° - 10° | 3° | 42 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.0h |
| February | Acceptable | 2° - 10° | 3° | 56 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.9 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 14° | 7° | 97 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 10° - 20° | 15° | 133 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.9h |
| May | Very Good | 14° - 24° | 19° | 144 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.2 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.8h |
| June | Good | 19° - 28° | 23° | 219 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.3 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.3h |
| July | Good | 23° - 31° | 31° | 160 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.1h |
| August | Good | 24° - 33° | 34° | 106 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.3h |
| September | Good | 20° - 29° | 24° | 189 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 14° - 23° | 18° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 70 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.6 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.2h |
| December | Good | 3° - 13° | 6° | 36 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
