Makino Kofun: A Chamber Opened by Appointment
A three-tiered late-period tomb with a 17.1-metre stone chamber. Its interior can be viewed only through a town-approved appointment or a scheduled special opening.
Verified site photographs are being prepared.Discover Makino Kofun: A Chamber Opened by Appointment
Makino Kofun sits in the northern part of the Umami Hills and is designated a National Historic Site. The circular mound is about 60 metres across and rises in three tiers. Its long, stone-built chamber opens on the second level; the passage and burial room together measure 17.1 metres. Two house-shaped stone coffins were placed inside, and excavations recovered ornaments, horse fittings, weapons and Sue pottery. Koryo Town considers the tomb a likely burial place of Oshisaka-no-Hikohito-no-Ōe-no-Miko, father of Emperor Jōmei, but this identification remains an archaeological interpretation. The site is unusual among local kofun because the chamber can sometimes be entered, but it is not an always-open attraction: request access at least two weeks ahead and wait for the town's approval, or visit during a separately announced public opening.
Read the mound and chamber as one structure
The mound is a large circular tomb built in three tiers. Its stone chamber is set into the second tier rather than exposed as a stand-alone monument. The chamber consists of a 6.7-metre burial room and a 10.4-metre passage. Koryo Town records a total length of 17.1 metres, making it one of the prefecture's largest stone chambers.
Look for traces of a high-status burial
The town's excavation record describes two house-shaped stone coffins, one carved from a single block and another thought to have been assembled from pieces. Although both were badly damaged, grave goods survived: gold and glass ornaments, elaborate horse fittings, a decorated sword, nearly 400 iron arrowheads and 58 Sue pottery vessels. These finds indicate a burial of considerable status; they do not establish the occupant's identity on their own.
Treat the proposed occupant as a theory
Koryo Town says the tomb is probably the resting place of Prince Oshisaka-no-Hikohito-no-Ōe, a late sixth- to early seventh-century figure and father of Emperor Jōmei. The prefectural walking guide also presents this as a possibility. It is a scholarly identification, not a confirmed name inscribed at the site.
Plan chamber access before travelling
For an individual visit outside a special opening, submit the town's application at least two weeks in advance and wait for written acceptance. The ordinary appointment opens the chamber door but does not include an explanation; request a cultural-property guide separately if desired. The interior has no installed lighting, so bring a torch. The town may refuse requests, may cancel in hazardous weather, and does not accept chamber visits from December 20 through January 10. The public opening dates are announced separately each year.
Use the official walking route carefully
Nara Prefecture's Koryo walking route links Makino Kofun with Mitsuyoshi Ishizuka Kofun, Nikiyama Kofun, Taketori Park and Suyama Kofun. It describes the section from the Kashiba border to the Umami Hillside Park bus stop as about four kilometres and nearly flat. Parts of the route pass through residential streets; keep to public paths and follow local signs. The town closes the park parking area outside designated events, so use public transport and check the latest notice.
What to look for
A National Historic Site with a three-tiered circular mound about 60 m across
A 17.1 m stone chamber with two house-shaped stone coffins and rich grave goods
Occasional public openings and individual visits by prior application; access is not guaranteed year-round
Photo notes
The reviewed official sources do not specify a general photography policy for the mound or chamber. Follow barriers and staff instructions, and ask the town before photographing inside during an approved visit. Do not enter the chamber without written acceptance or a special-opening arrangement. Town photographs and maps are not cleared for MyNara reuse without permission.
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 25 October 2026. Opening arrangements, prices and offers may change; use the operator's current information before travelling.
- Koryo Town — designation, mound and chamber dimensions, finds and proposed occupant
- Koryo Town — application rules, hours, lighting, closure dates and current parking status
- Koryo Town — confirmed 2026 autumn special-opening dates, weather and bus directions
- Nara Prefecture — walking route and nearby kofun context
- Koryo Town — map for Makino Historic Park
- Koryo Town — cultural-property guide application, two-week lead time and fee