Early Tombs on a Hill in Taketa
The Nanatsumori Kofun Group (七ツ森古墳群) is a group of two keyhole-shaped and two round tombs on a hill at Togami, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, designated a Historic Site in 1959.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs lists it under the criterion for shell mounds, settlements, tombs and similar sites.
The Agency notes that the keyhole tombs appear relatively early and keep their original size well, making the group valuable for understanding the region's ancient culture.
The Tombs
According to the Agency, both keyhole tombs have the long, handle-mirror form with the front mound facing west, about 47 metres long and 6 metres high.
One was excavated in 1954, revealing a composite box-shaped stone coffin on top of the rear mound, with tubular and small beads, stone bracelets and a knife with an antler fitting.
The westernmost round tomb is about 20 metres across and 4 metres high, with a small boat-shaped stone coffin.
What to Look For
Two early keyhole tombs with long, narrow front mounds stand side by side with round tombs holding early coffins, preserving the look of the early Kofun period.
Visiting the Nanatsumori Kofun Group
No official visitor information could be found. Take care not to damage the mounds.
Enquiries go to the Taketa City board of education.
Q&A
- When was the Nanatsumori Kofun Group designated?
- On 13 May 1959.
- How many tombs are there?
- Two keyhole tombs and two round tombs.
- How big are the keyhole tombs?
- About 47 metres long and 6 metres high.
- What was found?
- Beads, stone bracelets and a knife with an antler fitting.
- Where is it?
- On a hill at Togami, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture.
Basic Information
| Name | Nanatsumori Kofun Group (七ツ森古墳群) |
|---|---|
| Location | Togami, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture |
| Designation | Historic Site |
| Year Designated | Designated 1959/5/13 (Showa 34) |
| Quantity | 2 keyhole and 2 round tombs |
| Dimensions | Keyhole tombs about 47 metres long, 6 metres high |
| Owner | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Public Access | No official visitor information found |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Nanatsumori Kofun Group (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/401/2886
- Cultural Heritage Online: Nanatsumori Kofun Group (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/206763
Last verified: 2026.09.28