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In the heart of Kumamoto Prefecture, nestled within the serene landscapes of Nagomi Town, lies a place shrouded in enigma and whispered legends. Here, the earth opens its secrets through a series of ancient stone passages, known locally as "Tonkararin," a name that echoes the mysterious sounds emanating from its depths when stones are cast within. (kumamoto.guide)
Approaching this site, one is greeted by the "Seven Steps," a sequence of stone stairs that lead the curious into the embrace of the underground. Each step, worn by time and countless footsteps, descends into a narrow corridor, barely wide enough for a person to crawl through. The walls, meticulously assembled from cut stones, exude a cool dampness, whispering tales of bygone eras. (kofunnomori.web.fc2.com)
The passageways stretch over 445 meters, weaving through the earth in a serpentine dance. Some sections are natural crevices, while others are clearly the handiwork of ancient artisans, their purpose lost to time. Theories abound: some suggest these tunnels served as ancient drainage systems, yet their elaborate construction and the absence of significant water flow challenge this notion. Others propose they were sacred spaces, perhaps used in rituals to commune with the divine or the spirits of the land. (kumamoto.guide)
In the 1970s, the renowned writer Seicho Matsumoto ventured into these depths, captivated by their mystery. He posited that the tunnels might be linked to the "kido" or "demonic paths" mentioned in ancient Chinese chronicles, possibly connected to the rituals of the legendary Queen Himiko of Yamatai. (scary.jp)
Emerging from the subterranean labyrinth, one finds themselves near the Sugawara Shrine, perched atop the hill. This shrine, dedicated to the revered scholar and deity Sugawara no Michizane, stands as a sentinel over the land, its presence adding another layer to the area's rich tapestry of history and spirituality. (buccyake-kojiki.com)
The true purpose of Tonkararin remains an unsolved riddle, a silent testament to the ingenuity and beliefs of those who came before. As the sun casts dappled light through the trees, illuminating the moss-covered stones, one can't help but feel a profound connection to the past, a yearning to uncover the stories etched into the very fabric of this land.