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

Ibaraki Tochigi Gunma Saitama Chiba Tokyo Kanagawa
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 group of horizontal rock-cut tombs built in the late Kofun period, from the end of the 6th century to the second half of the 7th century. A total of 219 tombs have been confirmed. The most striking feature is the unique view of the holes lined up across the slope, and looking at the whole site from near the entrance before going closer makes the landform easier to understand.
A. It is famous not only for its nationally designated historic tombs but also for its hikarigoke, a rare luminous moss designated as a National Natural Monument. Remains of an underground military factory from World War II also survive, though the area is not open to visitors now. Walking the site with both the ancient remains and the traces of modern history in mind leaves a stronger impression.
A. Admission to Yoshimi Hyakuana is 300 yen for junior high school students and older, 200 yen for elementary school children, and free for children below elementary school age. Opening hours are 8:30-17:00, with last admission at 16:30. If you want to take your time in summer, visiting before the late afternoon sun gets too strong is usually more comfortable.
A. From Higashi-Matsuyama Station on the Tobu Tojo Line, take a Kawagoe Kanko Bus to Hyakuana Iriguchi and walk about 5 minutes. From JR Konosu Station, get off at Musashioka Tandai and walk about 5 minutes. Checking the return bus times in advance makes it easier to enjoy the site and take photos without feeling rushed.
A. A visit usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You can get around more quickly if you are only taking photos, but if you also pay attention to the hikarigoke and the information boards about the underground military factory remains, it is easy to stay longer. Taking in the full view once before walking closer also makes it easier to decide your route.
A. Hikarigoke is a rare moss that appears in the stable humidity and temperature conditions inside the rock-cut tombs. Rather than glowing brightly, it gives a soft yellow-green impression, so the key is to let your eyes adjust in the darker space before looking. It is one of the highlights that is easy to miss if you rush past.
A. The historic site has many uneven areas, and some spots near the edges of the openings can be dangerous if you get too close. If you want to frame a good shot, it is safer to step back and capture the full view. Filming for reporting purposes requires a separate procedure, so even for personal visits, it is important not to block the path for others.
A. It goes well with Yoshimi Kannon and other historic sites in the Hiki area, and if you are driving, there is also free parking for about 240 cars. Yoshimi Hyakuana alone usually fits within half a day, so a day trip works well with the ruins in the morning and temples, shrines, or local food in the afternoon.

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