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Yoshimi Hyakuana, Saitama – Ancient “Hundred Caves” and Wartime Underground Remains

Yoshimi Hyakuana, Saitama – Ancient “Hundred Caves” and Wartime Underground Remains
Yoshimi Hyakuana in Yoshimi Town, Saitama is a mysterious cliffside site with 200+ Kofun-period cave tombs. You can also see the remains of a wartime underground munitions factory (some areas may be restricted), look for rare glowing moss, and enjoy countryside views from the hilltop. This guide covers highlights, timing, access, and what to wear.

Highlights

Yoshimi Hyakuana Caves Overview

Yoshimi Hyakuana features over 200 cave tombs carved into a rocky hillside in Yoshimi, offering a sense of ancient scenery and history.

Cave Tomb Highlights

The late Kofun-period cave tombs (about 1,400 years ago) can resemble “ancient apartment blocks,” and you can observe the rows of openings up close.

Underground Tunnels and War Ruins

Remains of an underground munitions factory (tunnels) from the former Japanese Army remain, where you can also learn about wartime history in dim passageways.

Glow Moss and Views

You can see the protected glow moss (Hikarigoke), and from the top you can look out over the surrounding countryside. The glow moss tends to look best on rainy days or when humidity is high.

How to Get There

Tokyo Station → Higashi-Matsuyama Station about 1 hour; then about a 15-minute bus ride to the Yoshimi Hyakuana entrance. By car, it’s about 15 minutes from Higashi-Matsuyama IC; free parking for 50+ cars.

Hours and Admission

8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30). Admission: Adults ¥300 (junior high school and up) / Children ¥200 (elementary school).

Time Needed and What to Wear

Plan about 1–1.5 hours for a visit. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and the tunnels can feel chilly, so a light layer can help.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Yoshimi Hyakuana?

Yoshimi Hyakuana Caves (Yoshimi Hyakuana / 吉見百穴) in Yoshimi Town, Hiki District, Saitama Prefecture, is a group of horizontal tombs built in the late to final Kofun period (from the late 6th century to the late 7th century).

A total of 219 horizontal cave tombs have been identified on the slope of a tuffaceous sandstone hill, creating a unique landscape.

It was designated a National Historic Site in Taishō 12 (1923) and is a popular place for historical walks.

It also has another layer of history as a site used as an underground military factory in the final stage of the Pacific War (Shōwa 19-20 / 1944-1945), and is noted as a war heritage site as well.


Yoshimi Hyakuana Highlights

1. Ancient Horizontal Tomb Cluster - A Landscape of 219 Caves

The biggest highlight of Yoshimi Hyakuana is the 219 horizontal cave tombs lined up on the slope.

These horizontal tombs date to the late to final Kofun period and were dug into relatively easy-to-carve bedrock.

You can peek inside some of the tombs and observe the structure of burial facilities from that time.

2. Remains of an Underground Military Factory - A War Heritage Site

Yoshimi Hyakuana also contains remains of an underground military factory excavated during the final stage of the Pacific War.

It is said that underground tunnels were built for manufacturing aircraft parts, and the site conveys the historical background of that period.

Access to the inside of the underground tunnels may be restricted for safety reasons, so please follow on-site guidance for viewing rules.

3. National Natural Monument "Hikarigoke" (Luminous Moss)

Yoshimi Hyakuana is also known as a habitat of the nationally designated natural monument "Hikarigoke" (luminous moss).

This moss appears to glow in dark places and was designated a Natural Monument in Shōwa 3 (1928).

4. Nearby Walks and Facilities

There are exhibition facilities and other displays nearby where you can learn about the history while exploring the area.


How to Get to Yoshimi Hyakuana

Access by Train + Bus

  1. Take the Tobu Tojo Line to Higashi-Matsuyama Station
  2. From Higashi-Matsuyama Station East Exit, take a local bus to "Hyakuana Iriguchi"
  3. Walk from the bus stop

Access by Car

  • Access from Kan-Etsu Expressway Higashi-Matsuyama IC
  • Parking available


Useful Travel Information for Visitors

Opening Hours and Admission Fee

  • Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
  • Admission fee: Adults (junior high school students and older) 300 yen / Elementary school students 200 yen / Under elementary school age free

Estimated Visit Time

  • A visit typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

What to Wear

  • Comfortable sneakers
  • The area around the underground tunnels can feel cool, so bringing a light outer layer is recommended

Wi-Fi Information

  • There are few Wi-Fi spots nearby, so downloading maps in advance is recommended.


Summary

Yoshimi Hyakuana is a historical site known for its 219 horizontal cave tombs, war heritage remains, and the habitat of luminous moss (Hikarigoke).

Its appeal lies in being able to learn about history from ancient to modern times while walking through the site.

Watch your step and enjoy your visit while following local guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

A. Yoshimi Hyakuana is a Kofun-period cluster of horizontal tomb caves, with countless holes lined up across a hillside—an unmistakable sight. If you look over the whole slope first and then walk closer, you’ll feel the scale more clearly and it becomes easier to decide photo compositions. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. Admission is about ¥300 for adults and ¥200 for elementary and junior high students, and you can visit from roughly 8:30–17:00. In late afternoon, longer shadows emphasize the texture of the holes, making it easier to capture depth in photos. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. It’s common to take a local bus from Higashi-Matsuyama Station (Tobu Tojo Line) or Konosu Station (JR). Bus frequency can be limited, so checking round-trip times first helps you plan your on-site stay with more confidence. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. There is parking nearby. Late morning to early afternoon on holidays tends to be busiest, so it helps to buy tickets and use the restroom first, then walk the route in the direction people are naturally flowing to reduce stress. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. A visit is typically around 30–60 minutes. Many people stop in front of the holes, so stepping back and framing the whole slope can keep the atmosphere even when it’s crowded and still feel satisfying in a short time. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. You visit along the pathways, and there are steps and uneven spots. On wet days it can be slippery, so avoid running and keep to the handrail side as a basic rule. A small light can also make carved details in shaded areas easier to see. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. If you shoot the holes straight-on, they can look flat, so taking the photo from a slight angle adds depth. Placing a person toward the edge of the frame helps show scale and creates a strong “what is this?” impact for social posts. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.
A. The surrounding area has open rural scenery, plus roadside stations and local farm shops. After exploring the site, choosing a lightly salty snack rather than something sweet can help you recover energy and stay focused for the next leg of travel. It’s reassuring to take care of restrooms and drinks soon after you arrive. If you decide your return time in advance, it’s easier to stay on schedule.

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