Shotenyama Park

Seitensanyama Kofun is a small tumulus about 13 meters in diameter and around 3 meters high, located in the northeastern part of Seitensanyama Park in Matsumushidōri, Abeno Ward, Osaka City. It is protected by a stone embankment about 3 meters high around its perimeter, and a large camphor tree stands at its center. Because there is no sign, many people do not realize it is a burial mound. In 1951, haniwa, earthenware, a straight sword, horse gear, and other artifacts were excavated here. Seitensanyama is known as one of Osaka’s “five low mountains,” along with Tempozan, Okatsuyama, Chausuyama, and Tezukayama; although its elevation is only 14 meters, it is thought not to be a natural mountain but a kofun. At the summit is Shōen-ji Temple, known locally as “Seiten-san.” In 1723, a priest visited from Daitsū-ji Temple in Kyoto and carved a statue of Kangiten (Ganesh-like deity) as the principal image. Because devotion to Seiten (Kangiten) flourished here, the nickname “Seiten-san” became established. The principal image is a single-wood carved statue said to be the largest “Seiten-san” in Japan, but it is a hidden Buddha and not open to the public.