Fujinoki Kofun Ikaruga
Fujinoki Tomb · Fujinoki Kofun Horyuji · Ikaruga Fujinoki
Kofun Late 6th c CE Asuka transition·Late Kofun Yamato royal — Ikaruga Horyuji corridor·🇯🇵 Japan, Kansai, Nara Prefecture, Ikoma District, Ikaruga Town, Fujinoki field 300 m west of Horyuji temple western precinct, Nara basin northwest, Japan
About
About Fujinoki Kofun Ikaruga
Fujinoki Kofun Ikaruga — late 6th c CE keyhole kofun (zenpo-koen 50×48 m, two-chamber) 300 m west Horyuji temple at Ikaruga, Nara basin NW, excavated 1985–88 by Kashihara Archaeological Institute revealing unrobbed double burial with 140 items: gilt horse trappings, gilt bronze crowns, Sasanian-type glass bowl, silk, and swords. Fujinoki is only intact 6th c Kofun royal burial after 1985: two stone chambers (male west, female east) dated c.590 CE via Sue ware. Sasanian glass proves 6th c Silk Road reach to Yamato periphery. Horyuji corridor links Buddhist temple and Yamato royalty.
Why it mattersOnly unrobbed 6th c Kofun gold—Sasanian glass and double burial defining Yamato periphery royalty
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Double burial — married couple vs siblings?
Theories
- 01Ikaruga Horyuji corridor as Yamato Silk Road node
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.590 CE Asuka early 6th century (Kofun late)
- Period
- Kofun Late 6th c CE Asuka transition
- Culture
- Late Kofun Yamato royal — Ikaruga Horyuji corridor
- Builders
- Yamato royal clan near Horyuji (Prince Shotoku periphery)
- Purpose
- Unrobbed royal double burial proving 6th c Silk Road luxury to Yamato periphery before Heijo
- Excavation
- Excavated
c.590 CE
Yamato royal double burial with Sasanian glass and gold
1985–88
Kashihara rescue reveals only intact 6th c chamber
1990
National Treasure designation and Ikaruga park
On the ground
Structures & features
34.6144° N · 135.7339° E · 65 m · 2 mapped features
Western Male Chamber with Gilt Harness
chamberWestern stone chamber with gilt bronze horse harness and crown male burial c.590
34.6145° N · 135.7338° EEastern Female Chamber with Glass Bowl
chamberEastern female chamber with Sasanian cut glass bowl and silk fragments
34.6143° N · 135.7340° E
Gallery