Inuzuka Dog Mound, Kuzu
A small relocated late-Kofun burial feature in Kuzu, remembered locally through a story about Prince Ōama and a dog named Kaguhana.
Verified site photographs are being prepared.Discover Inuzuka Dog Mound, Kuzu
Inuzuka is a modest place where archaeology and local memory meet. Nara Prefecture identifies the surviving burial feature as a late-Kofun-period tomb that was moved when the former Kuzu Elementary School was built; the prefecture says it can still be seen within the grounds of Kuzu no Mori, the former school site. A separate local tradition connects the mound with a dog killed while villagers hid Prince Ōama, later Emperor Tenmu, during his flight through Kuzu. The story is a cherished regional legend, not a verified account of the Jinshin War. The quiet mound and its inscribed stone are part of a wider village landscape shaped by the Yoshino River and local memories of the Jinshin conflict.
A burial feature moved within the village
Nara Prefecture classifies Inuzuka as an archaeological site and kofun. Its cultural-resource record says the tomb was relocated during construction of the former Kuzu Elementary School, reports Sue ware finds, and dates it broadly to the late Kofun period. The prefecture says the relocated burial feature can be viewed within Kuzu no Mori, on the former school grounds. The source does not specify regular visiting hours or guarantee unrestricted entry to every part of the grounds, so follow posted signs and ask locally if access is unclear.
Keep the relocated kofun separate from the dog's legendary grave
The visible archaeological feature is a late-Kofun burial structure moved during construction of the former Kuzu Elementary School; Nara Prefecture places it at Kuzu no Mori. The dog story is a separate local tradition about the Jinshin conflict, not an archaeological identification of the tomb's occupant. Accounts also differ about where the dog was buried: Yoshino Town's visitor page associates the story with Inuzuka on a hill above the Yoshino River, while a Nara Prefecture district-history booklet says the dead dog was buried behind Goryo Shrine on a hill called Ōtsuka. These are differing folklore locations, not proof that the relocated kofun is the dog's grave or that Ōtsuka is a second visitor site. Treat the stone marked 犬塚 and the legend respectfully, and do not present either story as documented history.
Follow the town-listed approach and respect the community setting
Yoshino Town lists Inuzuka as a place to visit on a small rise overlooking the Yoshino River and gives a route from Kubogakiuchi Miyanoshita bus stop, followed by about a 10-minute walk. Nara Prefecture says the relocated late-Kofun burial feature can be seen within Kuzu no Mori, the former school grounds. These official listings establish a published visitor approach and the feature's location, but they do not publish opening hours, an exact entrance, path surface or step-free access. Follow signs and any event or facility restrictions; do not enter closed buildings, cross barriers or disturb the memorial.
Plan around the two different local bus services
Yoshino Town's Inuzuka listing gives a route from Kintetsu Yamato-Kamiichi Station by bus (about 30 minutes) to Kubogakiuchi Miyanoshita, then around 10 minutes on foot. The Town's current transport page distinguishes a limited, weekday-morning fixed-route bus, which does not require booking, from the reservation-based Smile Bus. Visitors who live outside Yoshino Town can book the demand-responsive service by telephone only, from three business days before travel; the listed fare is 500 yen per ride for adults and 250 yen for children. Call 0746-32-0550 on weekdays, 8:30–17:00, and confirm the stop, available journey and return timing before relying on it. Do not assume that the 30-minute journey is a frequent or walk-up service. The Town and Prefecture do not publish Inuzuka-specific opening hours, admission, toilet, parking, step-free route, photography policy or reservation arrangements. Do not enter closed buildings, private property, graves or archaeological features; ask the Town whether the memorial can be viewed and which entrance to use.
The former school site is still an active community facility
Nara Prefecture says Inuzuka is within Kuzu no Mori, but the former Kuzu Elementary School grounds are no longer simply vacant ruins. Yoshino Town's school-site plan describes Kuzu no Mori as a designated-managed community facility with Kanade Hall, Komorebi Hall and a field; the current operator also offers a bookable weekend campsite. Its published camping hours, availability and fees apply to that reservation service only, not to visiting the mound. The operator lists 0746-39-8004 and support hours of 10:00–17:00. Contact them or Yoshino Town before setting out to confirm whether the Inuzuka memorial can be viewed on your date and which entrance to use; do not enter event, camping or building areas without permission.
What to look for
A relocated late-Kofun burial feature connected with Kuzu's former elementary-school grounds
A local story of Prince Ōama and the dog Kaguhana, preserved as oral tradition
A small, quiet stop that makes more sense alongside a wider visit to Kuzu
Photo notes
No site-specific visitor photography policy was found in the official records reviewed. Respect local signs, avoid photographing residents or events without consent, and ask the Kuzu no Mori operator before commercial photography or filming.
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 24 October 2026. Opening arrangements, prices and offers may change; use the operator's current information before travelling.
- Yoshino Town — Inuzuka legend, location area and published bus/walk directions
- Yoshino Town — current Smile Bus services, operating days, non-resident reservation rules and fares (updated 2026-10-02)
- Nara Prefecture — archaeological classification, relocation, finds and Kuzu no Mori grounds
- Nara Prefecture — Kuzu district history booklet: local versions of the Inuzuka legend and Ōtsuka name
- Yoshino Town — current Kuzu District Council contact at Kuzu no Mori Kanade Hall
- Yoshino Visitors Bureau — regional version of the Inuzuka legend
- Nara Prefecture — approximate cultural-resource map point
- Yoshino Town — school-site use plan: Kuzu no Mori's designated-managed community facilities
- Kuzu no Mori operator — contact number, support hours and weekend operating calendar
- Kuzu no Mori — campsite reservation, current weekend hours and fee schedule
- Kuzu no Mori campsite — facilities and use FAQ