Yoshimi Hyakuana

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Yoshimi Hyakuana

An astonishing collection of tunnel tombs carved into a hillside and designated a National Historic Site.

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Supervised by :  Yoshimi Town

Yoshimi Hyakuana is a group of tunnel tombs built during the late Kofun period, from the late 6th to the late 7th century. The site was designated a National Historic Site in 1923.
A total of 219 tunnel tombs have been identified. These tombs were excavated into the slopes of hills and plateaus, and their burial chambers are structured much like the corridor-style stone chambers found in burial mounds from the late Kofun period.
The area around Yoshimi Hyakuana lies on a bedrock formation known as tuffaceous sandstone. It is believed that people at the time chose this location because the rock was suitable for excavating tunnel tombs.

Another highlight is the luminous moss. This moss appears to give off an ethereal green glow and is generally found in mountainous areas. Its presence on the Kanto Plain is extremely valuable in terms of plant distribution. The habitat was also designated a National Natural Monument in 1928.

The Yoshimi Town Archaeological Center on the grounds displays valuable cultural artifacts found within the town. Visitors can also try making magatama beads and haniwa clay figures.
Yoshimi is also known for its udon and has many udon restaurants, so consider stopping by one before or after visiting Yoshimi Hyakuana.

Highlights

  • Cherry blossom season offers especially photogenic scenery.
  • These tunnel tombs from the Kofun period are designated a National Historic Site.
  • Nationally designated luminous moss grows naturally here.
  • Try making magatama beads and haniwa clay figures at the Yoshimi Town Archaeological Center.
  • Enjoy Yoshimi’s famous udon before or after your visit.

Photos

  • Spring is recommended, when the cherry blossoms are at their best.

    Spring is recommended, when the cherry blossoms are at their best.

  • Countless tunnel tombs have been carved into the rocky hillside.

    Countless tunnel tombs have been carved into the rocky hillside.

  • See rare luminous moss growing naturally on the Kanto Plain.

    See rare luminous moss growing naturally on the Kanto Plain.

  • The remains of an underground military munitions factory, now a series of caves(Currently closed to visitors for inspections and surveys)

    The remains of an underground military munitions factory, now a series of caves(Currently closed to visitors for inspections and surveys)

  • Make your own magatama bead or haniwa clay figure.

    Make your own magatama bead or haniwa clay figure.

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Details

Name in Japanese
吉見百穴
Postal Code
355-0155
Address
324 Kitayoshimi, Yoshimi-machi, Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Phone
0493-54-4541 (Hyakuana Office)
Hours
8:45am-4:50pm
Closed on
Open year-round
Admission
Adults: 300 yen; elementary school students: 200 yen; children under elementary school age: free
Parking
Free
Access
(1) About 5 minutes by bus from Higashi-Matsuyama Station on the Tobu Tojo Line, followed by about a 5-minute walk
(2) About 15 minutes by car from the Higashi-Matsuyama Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
(3) About 25 minutes by car from the Kawajima Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa