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Fugoppe Cave: Ancient Echoes of Hokkaido

Explore ancient mysteries at Fugoppe Cave in Yoichi, Hokkaido, home to intriguing petroglyphs from Japan's Jōmon period.

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Fugoppe Cave in Yoichi, Hokkaido, is an archaeological site featuring petroglyphs dating back 2,000 years. The cave contains over 800 carvings, including human figures, animals, and enigmatic symbols, offering a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

A brief summary to Fugoppe Cave

Local tips

  • Photography inside the cave is prohibited to protect the ancient carvings.
  • The cave is closed during the winter months (mid-December to late April).
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery or Otaru.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Yoichi Station, take a local bus towards Sakaemachi. Get off at the Sakaemachi bus stop, which is a short walk to Fugoppe Cave. Bus fare is approximately ¥200-300. Note that bus schedules may be limited, so check in advance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Yoichi Station. The ride to Fugoppe Cave is about 5-10 minutes. The fare is approximately ¥1,000-1,500.

  • Walking

    From Yoichi Station, it is approximately a 30-40 minute walk to Fugoppe Cave. Follow Route 229 and then turn onto the road towards Sakaemachi. Note that the walk involves some uphill sections.

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Discover more about Fugoppe Cave

Fugoppe Cave, located in Yoichi, Hokkaido, is a significant archaeological site that provides a window into the island's ancient Jōmon and Epi-Jōmon cultures. Discovered in 1950, the cave is adorned with over 800 petroglyphs, dating back approximately 2,000 years. These carvings depict a variety of figures, including human-like forms (some with wings or horns), animals, boats, and mysterious symbols, sparking debate about their origins and meaning. The cave itself is relatively small, about 7 meters deep, formed from soft hyaloclastite, which allowed for the carvings. The site is now protected within a museum-like structure to preserve the delicate petroglyphs from the elements. Inside, visitors can view the engravings in a controlled environment, enhancing their visibility and ensuring their long-term survival. Fugoppe Cave is one of only two sites in Japan with rock carvings on the cave walls, the other being Temiya Cave in Otaru. The site has been designated as a National Historic Site. The carvings bear similarities to petroglyphs found in Northeast Asia, suggesting possible cultural connections. Various theories exist regarding the creators of the carvings, ranging from ancient Ainu inhabitants to influences from mainland Asia. The artifacts unearthed at Fugoppe Cave, including pottery and bone tools, provide additional insights into the lives and practices of the people who created the petroglyphs.

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