18. Itasuke Kofun

Itasuke Kofun is a keyhole-shaped mounded tomb located in the central part of the Mozu area.

The mound length is 146 m, and the height of the round rear part is 11.4 m. It is distinctive in that its square part is wide but short.

Both cylindrical and representational haniwa (earthenware funerary sculptures) from the mound have been found.

The construction period dates to the first half of the 5th century.

Itasuke Kofun faced the threat of demolition in 1955, due to a planned housing development. However, the plan was stopped thanks to a conservation movement, mainly organized by local citizens. The helmet-shaped haniwa found during the conservation movement is widely used as a symbol of cultural property protection in Sakai City.

Access

Walk 10 minutes to the northeast from Uenoshiba Station on the JR Hanwa Line.

Photo