Ikegami Kofun: A Northern Tomb in the Umami Cluster
A 92-metre scallop-shaped tomb from the early fifth century, best understood as one stop among the Umami cluster rather than a standalone monument.
Verified site photographs are being prepared.Discover Ikegami Kofun: A Northern Tomb in the Umami Cluster
Ikegami is a 92-metre scallop-shaped keyhole tomb on the northern edge of the central Umami Kofun group. It is paired archaeologically with nearby Otomeyama: both have characteristic shell-shaped plans and are thought to date to the same period. A 1992 survey confirmed a two-step rear mound. The cylindrical haniwa recovered here have circular perforations and black surface marks, details used to compare its chronology with Otomeyama. The prefecture's own park material describes a view of the tomb from the north-area adventure plaza, making the surrounding landscape part of the interpretation. No named occupant is established; the site's value lies in its form, material evidence and place within the cluster.
Compare it with Otomeyama
Ikegami is a scallop-shaped keyhole tomb, about 92 m long, in the northern part of the central Umami group. The prefectural record describes it as a typical example of the form alongside Otomeyama. The two mounds help visitors see how this plan differs from the long-fronted keyhole shape of Nagareyama. The 1992 survey found that the rear mound was built in two steps.
Read the haniwa evidence
The recovered cylindrical haniwa share round perforations and black marks, and the prefecture uses these traits to place the tomb in the same period as Otomeyama. This is a comparative archaeological dating, not a calendar date written on an object. The official sources give the mound's length as 92 m and place it in the first half of the fifth century.
Find the public viewpoint
Nara Prefecture labels a view of Ikegami from the north-area adventure plaza. This is a practical visitor cue: approach through the open park area and look toward the mound from the maintained public space, rather than trying to walk onto it. The wider park is divided into north, central and south areas; its museum can provide context about the Umami cluster before a longer walk.
Allow time for the park approach
Ikegami lies inside the 56.2-hectare Umami Hillside Park. The current prefectural access page puts the northern greenway entrance about two minutes on foot from Kintetsu Ikebe Station; the north-area adventure plaza and mound viewpoint are further inside the park. Kintetsu Gojōdo Station connects by bus to the central park entrance. Choose the approach based on the park map and your intended route, and allow for additional walking within the grounds. Bus timetables and seasonal parking hours should be checked before travel.
Protect the archaeological landscape
The park has no entry fee and no regular weekly closure, but emergency weather closures may occur. The mound itself is a protected archaeological feature; stay on paths and do not touch, climb or collect material. Commercial filming and events need prior consultation and permission from the park authority. Do not reuse prefectural or archaeological institute images without the rights holder's consent.
What to look for
92 m scallop-shaped tomb, dated to the first half of the fifth century
Two-step rear mound and haniwa with diagnostic circular perforations
A public viewpoint from the north-area adventure plaza
Photo notes
Photograph from public park areas only; do not climb or touch the mound. Commercial filming and event activity require prior permission. Source photographs from the prefecture and Archaeological Institute of Kashihara are not licensed for MyNara reuse.
Make a day of it
Explore guides close to this map point, then check the actual route before travelling. Distances below are straight lines, not walking distances or travel times; map points may not be entrances.
Sources & editorial status
Original MyNara draft based on the linked sources. Sources reviewed 20 October 2026. Opening arrangements, prices and offers may change; use the operator's current information before travelling.
- Nara Prefecture — tomb form, 1992 survey, haniwa evidence and north-area viewpoint
- Nara Prefecture — park tomb inventory and dimensions
- Nara Prefecture official tourism guide — park sections and public facilities
- Kawai Town — greenway from Ikebe Station to the north park area
- Japan Historical Place Names POI dataset — approximate geographic point, not visitor guidance
- Nara Prefecture — current park access, admission, closures, parking, rules and accessibility
- Nara Prefecture — seasonal parking-gate times, capacity and permitted-use rules