Experience Traditional Japanese Living With Tatami Mats and Uncover the Secrets of the Yoshimi Hyakuana Cave Tombs
Why do Japanese people prefer tatami mats? To delve into the allure of tatami, integral to Japanese homes, participants will embark on a tour of the tatami-making process. Post-tour, you’ll get a hands-on experience crafting mini tatami mats for interior decoration! After the tatami shop, explore the Yoshimi Hyakuana cave tombs, Japan's largest horizontal hole tomb cluster, which are intricately carved into the mountainside. This journey provides a unique opportunity to unravel the mysteries of Japanese life, culture, and history.
Start
Ikebukuro Station (9:00 AM)
Approximately 65 minutes : From Ueno Station, take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Konosu Station (45 min), then take a taxi to the Miyazaki Tatami Shop
10:05 AM - 10:50 AM
Immerse yourself in the quintessential Japanese art form of Tatami Mats.
Take on a hands-on, mini tatami mat-making experience
Embark on a captivating journey through Japan's cultural heritage with Miyazaki Tatami Shop's tatami-making experience. Uncover the 1,300-year history of tatami mats, integral to navigating Japan's varied climates. Join us for an immersive factory tour and hands-on session, where our amiable owner will guide you through crafting miniature tatami mats in just 30 minutes. Immerse yourself in the artistry of Japanese tradition and culture, departing with a tangible piece of cherished craftsmanship. Curious about what a Tatami mat is? In essence, it's a traditional Japanese flooring material crafted from rice straw or compressed wood, commonly found in Japanese-style rooms. A standard tatami mat measures about 3 feet by 6 feet (0.9 meters by 1.8 meters), frequently used to define room layouts in Japanese architecture.
Approximately 10 minutes : Take a taxi from the Miyazaki Tatami Shop to Yoshimi Hyakuana
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
These tombs, built during the Kofun Period (3rd to 7th century AD), are home to wild growths of luminous moss, a rare plant registered as a Natural Monument of Japan.
Unraveling the Mysteries of the Yoshimi Hyakuana Cave Tombs
Nicknamed Japan's Cappadocia, this site is said to be Saitama Prefecture's biggest mystery! Built around 1,400 years ago, the unique landscape features the largest group of horizontal tombs in Japan. With 219 confirmed tombs, it holds many hidden histories, including wartime military factories. Some holes even contain the rare luminous moss, which emits green light.
Approximately 5 minutes : Walk from Yoshimi Hyakuana to Iwamuro Kannon-do Temple
12:05 PM - 12:20 PM
A deeply spiritual spot located close to the Yoshimi Hyakuana Cave Tombs
Iwamuro Kannon-do Temple, a Secluded Site in the Mountains
It is said that approximately 1,200 years ago, a prominent monk in Japan carved and enshrined a statue of Kannon, marking the origin of Iwamuro Kannon-do Temple. The temple stands on a mountain slope and has a unique appearance, and on the small hill behind its Kannon Hall lies the ruins of Musashi Matsuyama Castle. Numerous stone Buddhas are housed inside the Main Hall, which is built into the surrounding rock, along with in the two caves divided into left and right. These statues resemble the main deities of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, one of Japan's leading sites of spiritual practice. After passing through the temple, you’ll find a small cave behind it. It's said that ""passing through here removes the difficulties in life and grants wishes,"" so be sure to try it. The entrance to the cave is heart-shaped, making it great for photos.
Approximately 75 minutes : Walk from Iwamuro Kannon-do Temple to the Hyakuana Entrance, take the Kawagoe Kanko Bus to Higashi-Matsuyama Station, and board the Tobu Tojo Line Express train to Ikebukuro Station
Goal
Ikebukuro Station (1:35 PM)