A Great Keyhole Tomb with Its Satellite Tombs
The Danjozan Kofun and Tombs No. 1, 2 and 3 (壇場山古墳／第一、二、三古墳) is the keyhole-shaped Danjozan Kofun and its surrounding Tombs No. 1, 2 and 3 at Kokubunji, Mikunino-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, designated a Historic Site in 1921.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs lists it under the criterion for shell mounds, settlements, tombs and similar sites.
Himeji City gives the length of the keyhole tomb as about 143 metres.
The Tombs
According to Himeji City, the round rear mound faces south-southeast and the front mound north-northwest, with a projecting platform on the west side of the waist. A moat surrounds it, apparently with an outer bank beyond. A composite long box-shaped stone coffin is visible on top of the rear mound, with facing stones and haniwa.
Tombs No. 1 and 2 are satellite tombs nearby. Tomb No. 3, known as the Yamanokoshi Kofun, is a square tomb about 50 metres on a side with a composite stone coffin, facing stones and haniwa, and has yielded mirrors, swords and beads.
What to Look For
The designation text notes that it was built on a hill north of Gochaku Station, its moat by then turned to paddy fields; a Tenman shrine stood on the front mound, and the lid stone of the coffin lay exposed on the rear mound.
The exposed coffin lid on the mound is unusual. Look at how the chief's tomb relates to the smaller tombs around it.
Visiting the Danjozan Kofun and Tombs No. 1, 2 and 3
The tombs can be seen on site, but no official visitor information was found. Take care not to damage the mounds.
Enquiries: Himeji City cultural properties section, 079-221-2786.
Q&A
- When was the Danjozan Kofun designated?
- On 3 March 1921.
- How big is it?
- About 143 metres long, according to Himeji City.
- How is 壇場山 read?
- Danjozan, according to the Agency.
- What is Tomb No. 3?
- A square tomb about 50 metres on a side, the Yamanokoshi Kofun, which yielded mirrors, swords and beads.
- Can the stone coffin be seen?
- Yes, on top of the rear mound.
Basic Information
| Name | Danjozan Kofun and Tombs No. 1, 2 and 3 (壇場山古墳／第一、二、三古墳) |
|---|---|
| Location | Kokubunji, Mikunino-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | Historic Site |
| Year Designated | Designated 1921/3/3 (Taisho 10) |
| Quantity | 1 keyhole tomb and 3 tombs |
| Dimensions | Danjozan Kofun about 143 metres long (Himeji City) |
| Owner | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Public Access | Viewable on site |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Danjozan Kofun (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/401/1857
- Cultural Heritage Online: Danjozan Kofun (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/163241
- Himeji City: Danjozan Kofun (Japanese)
- https://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/kanko/0000001853.html
Last verified: 2026.09.28