Susenoja cave, Cave and archaeological site in Toyohashi, Japan.
Susenoja cave is a natural limestone formation that extends approximately 70 meters into a hillside with a 1.3-meter-high entrance. Inside are multiple chambers that create different spaces and passages throughout the underground system.
The cave served as a dwelling during the Jomon period and became an important passage through the Hanasakayama Pass connecting Mikawa and Totomi regions. Excavations conducted in 1965 confirmed early settlement by hunter-gatherer communities.
The cave holds local legends about a secret passage to Zenko-ji temple and tales of supernatural guardians protecting hidden treasures within. Visitors notice how these stories shape how people talk about and view the site today.
The cave is best reached by taking the Toyotetsu Bus from Toyohashi Station to the Kakuyama stop, then walking for about ten minutes to reach the entrance. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended since the path involves some uphill terrain.
Excavations uncovered artifacts from the early Jomon period including pottery, stone tools, and bone needles that reveal daily life from about 10,000 years ago. These objects provide a direct connection to how ancient inhabitants used this space.
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