Hunter-gatherer Cave on a Chichibu Mountainside
On a recent outing to the ruins of the former Mitsumine Ropeway in Chichibu, Saitama we spotted what appeared to be a cave in the distance. Never to let a good opportunity pass we decided to make the short 20-minute hike to take a closer look. The Kaniwa cave sits on the side of a mountain across from the Otaki Village. According to the sign board the cave has been utilised since the Jomon period and later in the Edo period for hunting and as a place to stopover. The Jomon period dates from approximately 14,000 BCE. Archaeological surveys have discovered human and animal bones including bear, deer, tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog), rabbit and fish. In addition, earthenware and stone tools have also been excavated at the site. The overhanging rock ledge provided shelter from the elements and cool air emanating from the cave itself would have offered a source of natural refrigeration.
Access: take a 12 minute bus ride from Mitsumineguchi Station (10 daily buses) and get off at the Owa bus stop a 25 minute walk.
ooking up to the Kaniwa Cave.
Overhanging rock ledge.
Entrance to the cave on the right.
Truly, your hikes reach the parts that others don’t …
Thank you…but there was serendipity involved in uncovering this cave. I’m sure a lot of people come across equally amazing places but for whatever reason we never have the chance to hear about it.
does the other way down leads to the river? it was nice in there.
The cave is located above the Arakawa River and is a nice spot to check out.