Hashihaka Kofun
Sakurai, Japan
Freely accessible
Public space — no opening hours to check.
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Located in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, the Hashihaka kofun is a megalithic tomb built around 300 CE and is considered the first large keyhole-shaped kofun constructed in Japan. Its emergence marks an important moment in the rise of the Yamato Kingship. The Imperial Household Agency designates it as the tomb of Princess Yamato Totohi Momoso, daughter of the legendary Emperor Kōrei, though some researchers theorize it may belong to Himiko, the queen of Yamatai. The name Hashihaka—meaning "chopstick grave"—derives from a mythical tale of the princess's love affair with the kami of Mount Miwa, ending in her death by chopstick. Long restricted from archaeological study, the site received its first on-site survey in 2013. The surrounding moat is designated as a historic site, and the adjacent pond has been recognized as one of Japan's 100 best reservoirs.
Movement
- Built
- Type
- kofun, zenpō-kōen-fun
- Heritage
- Historic Site of Japan
- Place
- Sakurai, Japan
This building on
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Location