Kyoshuzuka Tumulus
The Kyoshuzuka Tumulus is an ancient burial mound (kofun) that was built in the late sixth or early seventh century. At that time, such structures served as tombs for nobility, clan leaders, and other powerful figures. The Kyoshuzuka Tumulus is thought to have been the tomb of a clan chief from the Usa area; however, the identity of the person once buried there is unknown.
Research has demonstrated that the Kyoshuzuka Tumulus was originally a round burial mound approximately 15 meters in diameter, situated on high ground to look out over the valley that may have been the clan chief’s territory. Unfortunately, the soil of the mound has long since eroded, leaving only the stone burial chamber. The rectangular chamber is composed of four large stones, each approximately 2 meters tall, 1.8 meters wide, and 0.4 meters thick.
The name “Kyoshuzuka” can be translated as “the burial mound of rebel heads.” According to legend, after military forces of the Yamato court suppressed the rebellion of the Hayato people in southern Kyushu in the 720s, one hundred heads were brought back as proof of victory and later interred in the area. However, the burial mound had already existed before the rebellion. The current name likely came from the association with the nearby Hyakutai Jinja Shrine where the spirits of the Hayato people are enshrined.
The Kyoshuzuka Tumulus is located beside the Chokushi Kaido Road that leads to Usa Jingu Shrine and is freely accessible to the public. The tumulus is designated a Historic Site by Oita Prefecture.
