[3] The Ishibutai Kofun occupies an area of 27 m2 (291 sq ft), and is the largest known megalithic structure in Japan.

[6] The Ishibutai kofun has been known by this name at least as early as the Tokugawa period, as evidenced by its entry in the Saigoku sanjūsansho meisho zue, a large guide to Buddhist pilgrimage sites written by Kanenari Akatsuki in 1853.

The historian and archeologist Sadakichi Kita (1871 - 1939) proposed that the Ishibutai Kofun is the above-mentioned "Momohana" tomb in the Nihon Shoki.

The Ishibutai kofun originally occupied a much larger area than is evidenced by the existing stone tumulus.

These were constructed to drain water collects on the north side of the tomb to feed south into the shallow drainage channel in the kofun entry.

This mound eroded slowly after the construction of the kofun, thus exposing the large megaliths of the tomb roof.

Due to its association with Soga no Umako, the Ishibutai tumulus does not have an imperial designation, and has thus seen extensive excavation.

Numerous examples of gilt and bronze implements, as well as earthenware shards were found in the banks of the tomb approach.

At this time, the prefectural road that ran above the tumulus was diverted in order to excavate the outer moat.

The Ishibutai Kofun is accessible from Asuka Station, which is served by the Kintetsu Yoshino Line.