Bustling Meguro
In the Edo Period, shrines, temples and superb views brought many people to the Meguro area. Meguro became a very popular day trip destination.
Fujikou (a group of farmers, traders, and craftsmen who worshiped Mt. Fuji) and fujizuka (a mound/heap resembling Mt. Fuji and built by fujikou.
There were two fujizuka built in Meguro, small enough to be easily hiked. As people enjoyed a carefree hike viewing Mt. Fuji in the distance, it was as if they were climbing the real mountain.
Discovery of the “Tainai-Douketsu” (Womb Cave) of Fujizuka.
People of fujiko believed that they could be cleansed of impurity by passing through a womb cave. They went through the womb cave at the foot of the mountain on the way back from climbing Mt. Fuji,
Sometimes the people took a sash made from white cotton through the womb cave, then presented it to a pregnant lady for use as a maternity belt to bring an easy and safe delivery.
The members of fujiko built a womb cave at the foot of fujizuka wishing for the same blessings. For a long time, although an entrance to the womb cave was found, there had not been any evidence that people could pass through.
However In 1991, a womb cave was discovered right next to “Meguro Shin (new) Fuji.”
There are also some mysteries that remain, such as a small shrine, side hole, and an underground hall that was purposely dug around the Kanto loam layer of ground. Also found were marks from the tools used for digging and traces of engravings of names of fujikou and identification marks.
Adding to the mystery, a statue of Buddha (Dainichi Nyorai) was excavated from under the floor instead of from inside the shrine.
Names and marks of Fujiko engraved on the wall
For some reason, the statue of Buddha was mysteriously discovered from under the ground.
The touching story of the discovery of the “womb cave” is kept intact and comes to life!
The Meguro History Museum 