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Leaving behind the bustle of Utsunomiya City and heading north along National Route 119, a strange sight suddenly appears in view. Countless holes pierced into the southern slope of a hill present a mysterious appearance, as if the earth itself possessed innumerable eyes. This is a group of horizontal cave tombs believed to have been constructed in the early 7th century, with 44 in the eastern group, 8 in the western group, and a total of 52 confirmed. (bunkazai.pref.tochigi.lg.jp)
These cave tombs are dug into a slope where tuff rock is exposed, and each hole is about 1 meter in both height and width, and about 2 meters deep. It is presumed that door stones were once installed, but now there is no trace of them, and the entrances remain open. (tabi-mag.jp)
On the back walls of the burial chambers, there are bas-relief carvings of Buddhist statues such as Jizo Bosatsu and Bato Kannon, believed to have been carved from the Muromachi to the Edo period. There is also a legend that Kobo Daishi Kukai carved these statues in a single night, but in reality, they are thought to be works from later generations. (bunkazai.pref.tochigi.lg.jp)
In addition, a legend of the yokai "Doumeki" is also passed down in this area. It is said that a hundred demons once lived in these holes, and their leader, wishing to be reborn as a human, converted to Buddhism and took the name "Doumeki." This legend remains in the place name "Doumeki-dori" within Utsunomiya City. (chihirog.com)
Currently, this group of cave tombs is open to the public as a prefectural designated historic site, and visitors are free to tour the area. Parking is also available, and the entire site can be viewed from along the national highway. (utsunomiya-cvb.org)
Standing across the ages, this group of cave tombs is a place where history and legend from ancient times to the present intersect, leaving a deep impression on those who visit. While listening to the stories of the past that live on in the silence, one can feel the flow of eternal time.