Yoshimi Hundred Caves

The Yoshimi Hundred Caves, located in Yoshimi, Saitama, Japan, is a significant archaeological site featuring a large cluster of corridor-type kofun tombs. The site, erroneously named 'hundred caves,' consists of 219 tombs carved into a tuff cliff, demonstrating intricate burial practices of the late Kofun period in the 7th century CE. These tombs are characterized by narrow entrance tunnels leading to larger chambers, which were likely used for multiple burials. The presence of elevated structures within these chambers suggests they may have held coffins or bodies. The site holds historical importance as a National Historic Site and is an example of the funerary architecture and cultural history of the Kofun period. Despite its preservation efforts, part of the site was altered during World War II for military production purposes.