“Yoshimi Hyakketsu” in Yoshimi-cho is in Saitama Prefecture. It was built during the Kofun period, and has a myriad of horizontal holes called the horizontal hole type tombs. It is also called “Cappadocia of Saitama” because its shape resembles Cappadocia, a World Heritage site in Turkey. Many tourists are fascinated by this mystery.
It seems that the side hole of Yoshimi Hyakketsu was dug as a grave, and there are 219 that have been confirmed at present. You can see it up close and see what’s inside the hole. The entrance of the hole is only about 1m in diameter. However, you could see something like a bed in the hole, and it is believed that there was a casket here.
At the beginning of the excavation, it was argued that it was a dwelling of a Kolobokle (a dwarf appearing in the Ainu tradition), and it seems that it was unknown what the hole was made for, but now it is a tomb.
It’s an old tomb, but it’s different from the typical shape of a Japanese tomb, such as the front and rear burial mounds, so a horizontal-hole type grave like the Yoshimi Hyakketsu is a bit mysterious. You can climb to the top in about 5 minutes, so families with small children can enjoy it together. A staircase is attached near the hole, so you can see the inside of hole quite close.
The Yoshimi Hyakketsu is famous for its horizontal holes, but it is also worth noting that the “Hikarigoke”, which is designated as a nationally designated natural monument, grows naturally in the holes. It is a moss that shines in the dark and has an emerald color. It is distributed in the mountains north of the central region of Honshu, but it is very rare that it grows naturally in the Kanto plain.
There is also a souvenir shop, and at the Yoshimi-cho Buried Cultural Property Center located on the same site. You can make magatama and haniwa by exhibiting and learning about valuable cultural properties. It is a place for families and friends to enjoy, so please visit when the weather is nice.
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