“Seven tombs line the hillside. Can you imagine the stories they hold?” That’s the question that comes to mind as we approach the Sakanishi Yokokutsu Tumulus Cluster. This cluster is more than just old graves. It is a window into ancient burial practices.
The Sakanishi Yokokutsu Tumulus Cluster is located in Hino City Tokyo. It sits on the edge of the Hino plateau. The cluster faces a shallow valley.
These are Yokokutsu tombs. Yokokutsu tombs are cave tombs. They are different from Kofun tombs. Kofun tombs are high mound tombs. Yokokutsu tombs do not have mounds.
The structure resembles that of a horizontal stone chamber tomb. The hillside rock is carved out to create the cave. This creates a passage. The passage leads to a burial chamber. Most Yokokutsu tombs are found in clusters. The Sakanishi Yokokutsu Tumulus Cluster is no exception.
This cluster was discovered during road construction in 1974. Seven tombs were found. The tombs open to the south. They are lined up next to each other. A burial path runs along the lower part of the slope. It connects the front areas of the seven tombs. This suggests a communal space for the cluster.
Excavations were carried out. Tombs one three and four were preserved. They were reburied after investigation. Tombs one and four have complex chamber structures. Their size and shape are similar. White clay covered the entire surface of tomb one.
Line carvings of horses and birds are visible on the walls of tombs one and four. These carvings are accompanied by dates. One date reads 1297. The exact period of their creation is unknown. It is estimated they were built in the latter half of the seventh century.
The Sakanishi Yokokutsu Tumulus Cluster is a designated historical site. It was designated in 1978. Though you cannot see the actual cave tombs now, information boards explain their significance.
As you stand here consider the people buried here. Think about the rituals performed. Imagine the artists carving images into the rock walls. The Sakanishi Yokokutsu Tumulus Cluster offers a glimpse into Japan’s ancient past. It reminds us of the enduring human need to honor the dead.