Mozu Tombs

What to know

The Mozu Tombs (百舌鳥古墳群, Mozu Kofungun) are a collection of dozens of ancient burial mounds in the Mozu district of Sakai City, just south of Osaka. Together with other tombs in the region, they form the "Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun Ancient Tumulus Structures," which were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.

Built between the 4th and 6th centuries for the ruling elite, the tombs vary in size and shape, with larger, more elaborate mounds indicating higher status. The largest is the Emperor Nintoku Kofun, believed to be the tomb of Emperor Nintoku. Including its surrounding moats, the tomb measures about 800 meters long and 600 meters wide, making it not only Japan's largest grave but also one of the largest in the world. Less than a kilometer away lies the Emperor Richu Kofun, the third largest tomb in Japan.

Kofun are large earth mounds. Originally kept clear of vegetation, most are now covered with trees. Many of the larger tombs, including those of Emperors Nintoku and Richu, are keyhole-shaped and encircled by moats. The tombs are generally not open to the public, and the larger ones are best appreciated from a high vantage point. The free observation deck on the 21st floor of Sakai City Hall offers such views from about a kilometer away.

Numerous medium and small kofun are scattered across the spacious and pleasant Daisen Park, which stretches between the tombs of Emperors Nintoku and Richu. Balloon rides from the park give participants a bird's-eye view of the vast tombs that are otherwise hard to fully appreciate. The park also offers a few attractions not directly related to the tombs:

The Mozu Tombs and surrounding attractions are most easily accessed from Mozu Station on the JR Hanwa Line. From Tennoji, take a rapid train to Sakaishi (7 minutes) and transfer to a local train to Mozu (4 minutes). The one-way journey costs 240 yen and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and other JR passes. Daisen Park is a short walk from the station.

Another convenient station is Sakaihigashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line, located next to Sakai City Hall and a 20-30 minute walk from Daisen Park. The one-way ride from Namba Station to Sakaihigashi takes about 15 minutes and costs 290 yen on express trains. It is not covered by JR passes.