World Heritage Identification Number: 1593
World Heritage since: 2019
Category: Cultural Heritage
WHE Type: Archaeological Sites
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇯🇵 Japan
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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The Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: A Glimpse into Ancient Japan's Elite Funerary Practices
The Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, offers a unique insight into the funerary practices of ancient Japan's elite during the Kofun period (3rd to 6th century CE). Situated on a plateau above the Osaka Plain, this site comprises 49 kofun, or ancient burial mounds, selected from over 160,000 such structures across Japan.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Located on a plateau above the Osaka Plain, this property includes 49 kofun (“old mounds” in Japanese). These tombs were for members of the elite. These kofun have been selected from among a total of 160,000 in Japan and form the richest material representation of the Kofun period, from the 3rd to the 6th century CE. They demonstrate the differences in social classes of that period and show evidence of a highly sophisticated funerary system. Burial mounds of significant variations in size, kofun take the geometrically elaborate design forms of keyhole, scallop, square or circle. They were decorated with paving stones and clay figures. The kofun demonstrate exceptional technical achievements of earthen constructions.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (iii): While 160,000 kofun are found throughout Japan, the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group represents and provides exceptional testimony to the culture of the Kofun period of Japan’s ancient history. The 45 components demonstrate the period’s socio-political structures, social class differences and highly sophisticated funerary system.
Criterion (iv): The Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group demonstrates an outstanding type of ancient East Asian burial mound construction. The role of the kofun in the establishment of social hierarchies within this particular and significant historical period, as well as the tangible attributes such as the clay sculptures, moats and geometric terraced mounds reinforced by stone, are outstanding.
Encyclopedia Record: Mozu Kofun Group
The Mozu Kofun Group is a group of kofun—megalithic tombs—in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Originally consisting of more than 100 tombs, fewer than 50% of the key-hole, round, and rectangular tombs remain.Additional Site Details
Area: 166.66 hectares
Number of Components: 45
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
Coordinates: 34.5622222222 , 135.6094444444
World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
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Social Significance of Tombs with Boundary and Mound in Korea and Japan
Burial mounds in Korea's Mahan and Baekje regions, characterized by large structures housing multiple burials of regional chieftains, share similarities with those found in Japan. However, significant differences emerge when examining the historical context and evolution of these tombs. In Japan, from the Yayoi to Kofun periods, burial mounds developed distinct 'burial boundaries' around facilities, diversifying in types and terminology. Over time, these evolved into large kofun (ancient burial mounds), reflecting regional diversity and social roles. The study compares this process with Korean counterparts, including the Seosan Bujang-ri site, to highlight similarities and differences in tomb construction, offering insights into the social significance of these monumental structures.
Yamamoto, T. (2026). Social Significance of Tombs with Boundary and Mound in Korea and Japan. Chungcheongmam-Do Institute of History and Culture, 40, 153–179. https://doi.org/10.55852/jcscc.2026.40.153
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X-CT Reconstruction as a Tool for Monitoring the Conservation State and Decay Processes of Works of Art and in Support of Restoration and Conservation Strategies
X-ray Computed Tomography (X-CT) emerges as a transformative tool for assessing the conservation state and decay processes of cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Japan's Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group. This non-invasive technique allows for detailed internal analysis without altering artifacts, making it invaluable for monitoring deterioration and guiding restoration strategies. The study demonstrates its versatility through diverse case studies, from an 18th-century writing cabinet to a Roman glass fragment, and notably, presents the first µ-CT investigation of a bronze arrowhead from Japan's Kofun period (3rd century CE). By providing digital models that aid in conservation efforts, X-CT not only supports the analysis of complex artifacts but also helps track the long-term effects of time and historical events on their preservation. Its adaptability across different setups further underscores its potential as a cornerstone for heritage management.
Guidorzi, L., Re, A., Tansella, F., Vigorelli, L., Ricci, C., Ryan, J., & Lo Giudice, A. (2025). X-CT Reconstruction as a Tool for Monitoring the Conservation State and Decay Processes of Works of Art and in Support of Restoration and Conservation Strategies. Heritage, 8(2), 52. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8020052
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The Orientation of the Kofun Tombs
A groundbreaking analysis of Japan's ancient Kofun tombs reveals that their orientations are deliberately aligned with celestial events, particularly the daily arc of the Sun and Moon. Keyhole-shaped Kofun, attributed to legendary emperors, show a specific alignment toward the rising or shining Sun, suggesting a connection to solar deities central to Japanese imperial mythology. To overcome challenges like restricted access and the vast number of tombs, researchers used satellite imagery to study orientations without physical site visits. This method provides unprecedented insights into the cognitive and religious significance of these monumental structures during Japan's Kofun period (3rd–7th century AD).
Baratta, N. C., Magli, G., & Picotti, A. (2022). The Orientation of the Kofun Tombs. Remote Sensing, 14(2), 377. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14020377
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Japanese Kofun in Maps given by a Spaceborne Digital Elevation Model based on Multiple Satellite Data Sets, for a Study about the Orientation of these Tumuli spanning from Remote Sensing to Geomancy
A significant correlation exists between the orientation of ancient Japanese Kofun (mounded tombs) and geomantic principles, particularly avoiding the northeast 'demon gate' (Kimon). Analyzing 394 Early and Middle Kofun Period tombs (3rd–5th centuries), researchers found a marked preference for southern and western orientations, with minimal representation in the northeast quadrant. This study leverages Spaceborne Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from satellite datasets to map and assess these orientations, integrating remote sensing with traditional archaeoastronomical and geomantic interpretations. The research builds on prior work by Saito Tadashi (1950s), expanding its scope through advanced spatial analysis tools like those developed by Yamazaki et al. (2017). Findings suggest intentional alignment with cultural beliefs about auspicious directions, offering new insights into the funerary practices and cosmological understanding of ancient Japan.
Sparavigna, A. C. (2022). Japanese Kofun in Maps given by a Spaceborne Digital Elevation Model based on Multiple Satellite Data Sets, for a Study about the Orientation of these Tumuli spanning from Remote Sensing to Geomancy. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.6387566
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Japanese Kofun in Maps given by a Spaceborne Digital Elevation Model based on Multiple Satellite Data Sets, for a Study about these Ancient Tumuli spanning from Remote Sensing to Geomancy
A study leveraging spaceborne digital elevation models (DEMs) reveals that many ancient Japanese Kofun tombs, particularly from the Early and Middle Kofun periods (3rd to 5th centuries), exhibit a strong preference for orientations facing south or west. This pattern aligns with geomantic traditions, where the northeast direction—associated with inauspiciousness and taboos—is notably underrepresented among these burial sites. The research utilizes high-resolution satellite data, including DEMs and Google Earth imagery, to analyze the spatial distribution and orientation of Kofun tumuli, providing insights into their possible astronomical or ritualistic significance. Additionally, the study explores the architectural features of keyhole-shaped tombs, which often contain dual burial chambers oriented along the tumulus's long axis, further supporting the connection between landscape positioning and funerary practices.
Sparavigna, A. C. (2022). Japanese Kofun in Maps given by a Spaceborne Digital Elevation Model based on Multiple Satellite Data Sets, for a Study about these Ancient Tumuli spanning from Remote Sensing to Geomancy. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.6380639
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A study on streetscape in harmony with Mozu-furuichi kofun group world heritage
Research on the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan, reveals that streetscapes harmonious with these ancient mounded tombs are evaluated based on three key elements: regularity, naturalness, and history/culture. These elements are influenced by greenery along streets, building colors and designs, walls/fences, and pavement unity. The study used factor analysis of landscape plans to identify evaluation viewpoints and recognize elements contributing to harmony. This insight is crucial for urban planning that balances enjoyment of kofun while preserving their historical value.
MATSUO, K., SEKI, I., TAKEDA, S., & KAGA, H. (2021). 世界文化遺産「百舌鳥・古市古墳群」と調和した街並み景観のあり方に関する研究. Journal of the Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture, 84(5), 541–546. https://doi.org/10.5632/jila.84.541
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Muography as a new tool to study the historic earthquakes recorded in ancient burial mounds
Researchers using muography have uncovered evidence of large-scale vertical cracks at the top of Imashirozuka burial mound, suggesting instability predating the 1596 Fushimi earthquake. These findings indicate that the mound's foundation was inherently unstable before the seismic event, which triggered a rotational landslide and subsequent collapse. The study employed bidirectional muographic measurements—a non-invasive technique—to analyze the internal structure of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering new insights into the impact of historic earthquakes on ancient architectural heritage.
Tanaka, H. K. M., Sumiya, K., & Oláh, L. (2020). Muography as a new tool to study the historic earthquakes recorded in ancient burial mounds. Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems, 9(2), 357–364. https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-357-2020
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