Kurazuka Kofun: The 90-Metre Mound Reidentified as a 180-Metre Tomb
A lesson in how excavation can change a site's scale: Kurazuka was once called a 90-metre round mound, then identified as a 180-metre keyhole tomb.
Verified site photographs are being prepared.Discover Kurazuka Kofun: The 90-Metre Mound Reidentified as a 180-Metre Tomb
Kurazuka Kofun, also called Suberiyama Kofun, is an east-west keyhole tomb in the central area of Umami Hillside Park. It was once described as a round mound about 90 metres across; later investigation identified a 180-metre monument. Kawai Town's survey drawing records a circular rear mound about 106 metres across and 12 metres high, with a front projection about 70 metres wide and 6.1 metres high. The different measurements show how a mound's outline and the full burial plan are not the same thing. Nara Prefecture dates the tomb to the first half of the fifth century and says important questions remain. Its wooded surface does not reproduce the ancient shape for visitors.
A survey changed the scale
The prefecture's account says Kurazuka was once described as a round mound about 90 metres across. Investigation identified an east-west keyhole tomb about 180 metres long. Kawai Town's heritage drawing records the circular rear portion at about 106 metres across and 12 metres high, and the front portion about 70 metres wide and 6.1 metres high. These dimensions describe different parts of the monument; they are not competing estimates of one diameter. The prefecture cautions that much about the tomb remains unknown.
Read the mound profile
The local survey drawing makes the east-west plan easier to imagine: the circular rear section rises higher than the shorter front projection. Today's wooded mound does not offer the restored surface visible at Nagareyama Kofun. Rather than looking for a reconstructed passage or exposed chamber, use the park map and the survey plan to understand the buried footprint. The prefecture has not presented Kurazuka as an excavated interior attraction.
A second name and a connected landscape
Nara Prefecture lists the alternate name Suberiyama Kofun. Kawai Town's southern cultural-property map places Kurazuka among Suyama, Nagareyama, Otomeyama, and other sites, with park edges and town paths nearby. This helps separate the named mound from the larger Umami cluster: multiple tombs occupy one low ridge system, but they have different plans, dates, access points, and preservation conditions.
Approach the central park area
The tomb is inside the central area of Umami Hillside Park. The prefecture lists a bus from Kintetsu Gojodo Station to the central-area park stop; Kintetsu Ikebe Station is about two minutes from the greenway north entrance, followed by a longer walk to the central grounds. If combining Kurazuka with the park museum and Nagareyama, check the official map for the sequence and distance. Station-to-entrance times are not times to the mound.
A protected landscape, not an excavation visit
The prefectural source does not publish a separate ticket, staffed reception or direct mound-entry schedule for Kurazuka. Use public paths, respect barriers and do not climb or dig into the mound. Park rules and temporary closures can change. Ask the park office before commercial photography, and do not reuse prefectural or Kashihara Archaeological Institute images without written permission.
What to look for
An east-west keyhole tomb about 180 m long
Once mistaken for a 90 m round mound before investigation revealed its wider plan
A park-side archaeological landscape whose full form is not obvious from the ground
Photo notes
Take photos from public paths. Do not climb, excavate or cross barriers. Prior permission is required for commercial filming; images from the prefecture or Kashihara Archaeological Institute remain copyrighted and are not cleared for MyNara use.
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 — Kurazuka's east-west orientation, revised 180 m scale, date and uncertainty
- Nara Prefecture — park-wide list of tomb types, sizes and periods
- Nara Prefecture — park access, closures, rules and facilities
- Nara Prefecture — walking route through the Umami tomb landscape
- Kawai Town — heritage guide and survey drawing for Kurazuka and surrounding tombs
- Kawai Town — southern cultural-property map showing Kurazuka's setting
- Nara Prefecture — current park access, admission, closures, parking, rules and accessibility
- Nara Prefecture — seasonal parking-gate times, capacity and permitted-use rules