Maruyama Kofun

This keyhole-shaped burial mound, believed to have been built in the latter half of the sixth century, is the largest of its kind in Nara Prefecture. 310 meters long, the round section at the top is 150 meters in diameter, while the oblong base is 210 meters wide. The surrounding moat is also 420 meters long. The tunnel tomb inside the mound is equally impressive, and is known as the largest of its type in Japan. Based on the period when the mound was made as well as the sarcophagus which was contained within, several candidates have been proposed as the person for whom the mound was made, including Emperor Kinmei and Soga clan leader and statesman Soga no Iname.