Hashihaka Kofun — Earliest Keyhole Tomb

Why it mattersKey Yamato early Kofun (Himiko? Queen) tumulus with stratified sequence and regional typology.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

c. 250 CE (earliest zenpō-kōen)

Period

Early Kofun (mid-3rd c. CE c. 250 CE)

Culture

Yamato early Kofun (Himiko? Queen)

Purpose

Japan's first giant keyhole kofun (280 m) — transition Yayoi to Kofun, possible Queen Himiko tomb

Rediscovered

Modern excavation 1927

Excavation

Excavated

1. c. 250 CE (earliest zenpō-kōen)

   Initial construction / first occupation at Hashihaka Kofun — Earliest Keyhole Tomb

2. 1920 excavation

   Modern rediscovery and scientific excavation of Hashihaka Kofun — Earliest Keyhole Tomb

3. c. 200 CE major extension

   Major expansion / refurbishment at Hashihaka Kofun — Earliest Keyhole Tomb

• Hashihaka Kofun — Earliest Keyhole Tomb — Principal Chamber

  chamber

  chamber at Hashihaka Kofun — Earliest Keyhole Tomb — subsidiary complex

  34.5388° N · 135.8423° E

• Hashihaka Kofun — Earliest Keyhole Tomb — Northern Dromos

  dromos

  dromos at Hashihaka Kofun — Earliest Keyhole Tomb — primary structure

  34.5355° N · 135.8413° E

• Hashihaka Kofun — Earliest Keyhole Tomb — Southern Mound

  mound

  mound at Hashihaka Kofun — Earliest Keyhole Tomb — hydraulic feature

  34.5362° N · 135.8431° E