Yoshimi Hyakuana Caves
A hillside riddled with 219 hand-carved burial chambers from the 7th–9th centuries — the largest cluster of ancient burial caves in eastern Japan. The caves were later used by Christian converts (forbidden under the Tokugawa shogunate) as underground meeting rooms, making this site simultaneously prehistoric and politically charged.
1.5–2 hours
¥300
8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30); open daily; entry ¥300
Year-round
Higashi-Matsuyama Station on Tobu Tojo Line (15 min taxi)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
219 burial chambers carved by hand in the 7th–9th centuries — entirely hollowed cliff faces
- 2
Later used by hidden Christians as secret worship sites — a dual historical significance
- 3
The site museum has recovered grave goods and explains how the chambers were lived in
Local Tips
These 219 ancient burial caves were carved in the Kofun period (4th–7th century). Some were later used as ammunition depots in WWII. Bring a flashlight to explore the darker recesses. The site is uncrowded and very peaceful — rare for Saitama.
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