Cave Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

Nature

ALL
- All categories
- Mountain
- Coast / Beach
- Waterfall
- Lake
- Plateau
- Valley
- Sea
- Island
- Cave
- Special Terrain
- River
- Pass
- Cape
- Wetland / Marshland
- Rock
- Whale Watching
- Peninsula
- Dune
- Other Natural Terrain

Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave

3.5

667 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Ishigakishi Ishigaki 1666

Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave is a large limestone cave which developed naturally over a period of about 200,000 years. It has a total length of 3.2 kilometers, out of which approximately 660 meters is open to the public. The limestone cave which was created from coral reef has many highlights such as the “Suikinkutsu” (water harp cave) where you can enjoy the sound of water dripping and the “Totoro Stalactite” which is similar to Totoro. The inside of the cave has been illuminated creating a fantastic atmosphere. The tour of the caves takes about 30 minutes.

This cave shows nature at its most fascinating. However, some of the human additions need work. I liked the various colors to subtly highlight the stalactites, but the Christmas-style lights detract...
Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave

4.0

297 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamanashi Pref. Minamitsurugunnarusawamura 8533

This is a cave located at the eastern entrance to the “Aokigahara Jukai” (sea of trees) forest, and is one of the sightseeing spots within the Fuji Five Lakes area. In 864 A.D., when Mt. Nagao, a flank volcano of Mt. Fuji erupted, the red hot lava flow descended down between the ancient parasitic volcanoes creating this cave. The average temperature within the cave is as low as three degrees, and it is covered with ice year round. It was designated by the Ministry of Education as a Natural Monument in 1929.

This is a terrible place to visit unless you are fit and adventurous, The attendant at the gate didnt warn us enough about the danger. Our previous experience with lava ice cave was in Jeju and that...
Ryusendo Cave

4.5

229 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Iwate Pref. Shimoheiguniwaizumichou Iwaizumi Kannari 1-1

This massive limestone cave is one of Japan’s three largest, and is designated a National Natural Monument. The cave is over 5,000 meters long overall, and hosts eight underground lakes that are among the clearest in the world. The color of the water, called Dragon Blue, is astonishing and the mystical sight is worth visiting. A 700 meter walking route in the cave and three of the eight lakes are open to the public. One section of the trail is barrier-free, with full wheelchair access. The limestone filtered water has been named one of Japan’s top 100 waters, and is available to drink at the cave entrance.

This spot is far from any station, so you need a car or bus to reach it. The entrance fee costs 1000 yen per person. Business hours are from 8:30 to 17:00, and open everyday. It is one of the three...
Ryugashido Cavern

4.0

263 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Pref. Hamamatsushi Kita-ku Inasachoutabatake 193

This limestone cavern is located Inasacho Tabatake, Kita Ward, Hamamatsu City. About 400 meters of its 1,000-meter length are open to visitor. Visitors can enjoy exploring the cavern, which stays around a comfortable 18°C all year long. The cavern's substantial surrounding facilities include a museum, restaurant, souvenir shop, and a gelato shop.

This was my first time exploring a cave and it was fun! Great for the family! It had hills and areas that was cool to maneuver through! The walk is not that long so it is great for any age!
Valley of Gangala

4.0

174 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Nanjoushi Tamagusuku Maekawa 202

Valley of Gangala is a subtropical forest that originated when a limestone cave collapsed hundreds of thousands of years ago. The valley occupies an area of about 47,995 square meters, and the distance to walk through the valley is about one kilometers. You can experience an ancient natural environment in the valley where there are large trees called “Giant (Ufushu) Gajumaru trees” known as the wise men of the forest as well as the Inagu Cave and the Ikiga Cave. A full-time guide accompanies tours through the valley in order to protect the abundant nature which is highly valuable to both archaeology and folklore science. The time required to take the tour is about one hour 20 minutes.

The most unique thing about this cafe is the setting. Beware of the drippings from the stalactites! The cafe serves coffee and drinks only.
Ryugado Cave

4.0

166 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kouchi Pref. Kamishi Tosayamadachousakakawa 1424

Ryugado Cave is a sightseeing limestone cave which is representative of Japan, which is said to have been formed over roughly 175 million years. There are remains of a cave dwelling from the Yayoi period in the vicinity of the entrance of an internal cave, and “Kami no Tsubo” can be seen within the cave in which Yayoi pottery has been integrated into stalactites. You can enjoy the beauty of nature moulding such as stalactite, stalagmite or celestial stone of 11 meters in height in this cave. There is a standard sightseeing course of about one kilometer but the 90 minute course in which you stretch and make progress through narrow caves and also the “Adventure Course” in which you climb onto three meter high rocks using ropes are also popular.

You enter the cave complex at the bottom of a hill and climb up and up before exiting into sunlight, and then it’s a long staircase and walkway back down. I didn’t see any warnings (in English) that...
Enoshima Cavern

4.0

220 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Fujisawashi Enoshima 2

A natural cave carved out by the erosion of waves over countless years, Enoshima Cavern is actually comprised of Cavern One and Cavern Two. Decorated with tasteful lighting and filled with music, the cavern contains various displays relating to the Buddhist training the great priests Kukai and Nichiren conducted here. There is also a large, 128 meter long open area in the cavern which offers a sweeping of Sagami Bay and Izu. The cavern is a 30-minute walk from Enoshima Benten Bridge or a 10-minute ride on the Bentenmaru ferryboat.

Nice caves, they definitely did their best to make it attractive and entertaining. Worth to visit as part of the Enoshima day pass
Abukuma Cave

4.0

123 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukushima Pref. Tamurashi Takinemachisugaya Higashi Busan 1

This limestone cave was carved out over 80,000,000 years. The 600 meter length is filled with limestone stalactites and stalagmites, creating an enchanting scene. The largest attraction is the 30 meter high grotto, the Takine Palace, filled with limestone formations like the Crystal Curtain, grotto Coral, and more.

Cost is 1200Yen per adult - average size limestone cave but I have been to better ones in Japan and other countries. Ryusendo and Utsonomiya are way bigger and better. Considering the distance...
Hida Great Limestone Cave

4.0

156 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Nyukawachouhiyomo 1147

The Hida Great Limestone Cave is located between Hida Takayama and the Okuhida Onsengo. Running a total length of about 800 meters, it is among the greatest tourist limestone caves in Japan. In the cave you can also see a rare form of stalactite known as a helictite, the only known occurrence in Japan. These bizarre looking cave deposits grow in all directions. As well as the limestone cave there is the Ohashi Collection Kan Museum which displays artworks collected by Sotokichi Ohashi, the discoverer of the Hida Great Limestone Cave. About 1,000 pieces of artworks are on display.

This place wasnt really on our itinerary but change of plans gave us free time and glad we did. Reasonably easy to walk through the caves with some stairs and smaller spacers. Museum attached was...
Nippara Limestone Cave

4.0

101 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Nishitamagunokutamamachi Nippara 1052

A limestone cave located in Tokyo’s Nishitama District and one of the largest in the Kanto region as well as a prefecturally designated Natural Monument. The interior is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, maintaining a constant temperature of about 11°C year-round. Visitors can enjoy majestic and fantastical scenery interwoven with the surrounding natural greenery outside.

After hanging out in everybody is a busy-body central Tokyo, it was a literal breath of fresh air to get into the countryside and view natural beauty. The caves are spectacular and cheap for...
Sandanbeki Cave

4.0

54 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Pref. Nishimurogunshirahamachou 2927-52

This is a cave formed by years of sea erosion and is set into one of the famous sheer cliffs of Japan, the Sandanbeki cliff. It is a spot for invaluable study of fossilized ripples of stone caused by waves and currents, and rock crevasses surging with the tide. It is said that this cave was the hideout for the Kumano navy ships in the Genpei War during the Heian Period. Inside the cave is a restored Kumano navy barrack, and it enshrines Japan’s largest bronze benzaiten deity of water, the Muro-dai-benzaiten.

This cave is a bit scary but interesting place. Entrance fee is ¥1300. 夜の観光も行っている日がありました。足湯はやっていませんでした(ご時世？)。千畳敷から徒歩20分程です。エレベーターで洞窟まで降りるのですが、中は滑りやすいため注意して歩きました。
Cave Ikura

4.0

55 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Pref. Nimishi Ikura 409

A limestone cave 1,200 meters long and with a total elevation difference of 90 meters located in scenic Ikura Gorge in Ikura, Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture. The entrance to the cave is on a 240 meter tall limestone precipice. The cave was formed by rainwater erosion and features such as a 50 meter tall waterfall and icicle-like stalactites give the cavernous spaces within it a mystical quality. Visitors can view some 30 rare and unusually shaped stones and rock formations that are both strange and beautiful, such as the “Silver Screen,” “Water Clothing,” and “Jellyfish Stone.” Arisa no Miya, a shrine dedicated to a woman who suffered unrequited love and who is now revered as a goddess granting worshipers luck in love and marriage, stands at the cave’s exit.

This is a really fun outing for families. Keep in mind that it requires walking on slippery surfaces, and you have to watch your head if you are tall. They gave us an English flyer, and we enjoyed...
Akiyoshido

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Mineshi Shuhouchouakiyoshi 3506-2

Akiyoshidai, in the eastern part of Mine City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is home to the “Akiyoshido,” Japan’s greatest limestone cave. The entrance to the cave has a height of 24 meters and a width of eight meters, and the cave’s deepest point is about 200 meters below the surface. There are plenty of sights to see such as the giant Golden Pillar, a travertine pillar with a height of approximately 15 meters, and the Hundred Saucers, which look like terraced rice-fields. The interior of the cave stretches for nearly 10 kilometers, but the sightseeing path only ventures to about one kilometer into the cave. The temperature remains stable at nearly 17°C throughout the year, and a wide range of ages can comfortably tour the cave.
Fugaku Wind Cave

3.0

16 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamanashi Pref. Minamitsurugunfujikawaguchikomachi Saiko Aokigahara 2068-1

This is a cave with an average temperature of three degrees in “Aokigahara Jukai” (sea of trees) forest, and it was used to store silkworm eggs until the early Showa period. It has also been designated as a Natural Monument of Japan. The total length of the tunnel is 201 meters. This is a horizontal cave where icicles, lava shelves and ropy lava can be seen. As the inside of the cave is gently sloping and easy to walk, it is suitable for adults and children of all ages.

風穴に行く前に駐車場こみの滞在となりました。時間にして数分、土産物等の販売もあるので休憩込みになると思います。飲み物があるので購入できます
Menfudo Limestone Cave

4.0

53 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Yoshinoguntenkawamura Dorogawa 678-89

Menfudo Limestone cave is the largest limestone cave in the Kansai region. Inside the dome-shaped interior, visitors can see marvelous stalactites and stalagmites. The average temperature inside the cave is about 8°C year-round. A statue of the guardian deity Fudo has been set up in the deepest part of the cave, where no outside air penetrates.

とてつもない急勾配をトロッコを使って登りました。あっという間に到着します。鍾乳洞は期待していたよりもずっと小さく、頭をぶつけないように気をつけながら順路を巡りました。もっと本格的な鍾乳洞を期待していたので、ちょっとがっかりです。でも、青や紫にライトアップされているので、写真はとても神秘的にできました。実際の経験より、写真のほうがよく見える場所だといえます。鍾乳洞なので当然、濡れた足元に注意しないと...
Senbutsu Limestone Cave

4.5

27 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushikokuraminamiku Hiraodai 3-2-1

This is a limestone cave created by rainwater of the Karst plateau, and is designated as a national Natural Monument. Inside the cave the temperature remains a steady 16°C throughout the year and can be enjoyed by any age group. The dozens of stalactites large and small hanging at the entrance is a must-see. The cave also has a shop and a restaurant, while their famous “karst manju,” a yeast bun filled with sweet potato paste, is especially popular.

友人のススメで何も調べず、期待せずに向かったのですが、いや〜楽しかった。ちょっとしたアトラクションです。平日は送迎バスが無いため、もし平日に行く予定なら最寄り駅からタクシーか車（自家用車、レンタカー）。タクシーは2500円程度かかります。タクシーは駅前に居ますが予約していなかったら少し待つ可能性があります。さて、かなり山を登ったところにこの鍾乳洞の駐車場があるのですが、そこから鍾乳洞までは...
Inazumi Underwater Limestone Cave

4.0

53 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Bungoonoshi Miemachinakaduru 300

The Inazumi Underwater Limestone Cave was formed 300 million years ago in the Paleozoic era, and took its current form after being submerged in the Aso volcano eruption 300,000 years ago. It is one of the world’s more unusual underwater limestone caverns, replete with underwater stalactites, coral stones and helictites. It is possible to walk around and see inside of the caves. The sound of water trickling down with quiet echoes into the “reverb pond” and the sight of the beautiful green “emerald spring” are mysterious wonders not be missed.

Very unique cave to see I have quite a few caves in several countries around the world and was very impressed by this one It takes a while to get there as ypu need a car and the road is narrow in...
Maki-do Cave

4.0

35 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Pref. Nimishi Toyonagakouma 2276-2

A limestone cave on a karst plateau in Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture designated a Natural Monument by Okayama Prefecture. Said to have been found by a hunter in the Edo period, the cave’s name, meaning “full of mysteries,” is derived from a poem written by married poets Tekkan and Akiko Yosano in 1929. The cave is around 450 meters long in total and 25 meters wide at its widest point, and its graceful spaces are filled with sights to see, including one of Japan’s best examples of a rimstone terrace formation; an underground lake named the “Palace of Dreams;” and countless soda straws, stalactites, and stalagmites.

ここは、横溝正史の八つ墓村の舞台となった所。千枚田と言われるリムストーンプールに、小竹・小梅婆さんが水死しているシーン。この満奇洞が撮影地。明治の俳人、与謝野晶子が「奇に満ちた鍾乳洞」と歌に詠んだことから名付けられたそう。その名のとおり、地底湖と様々な鍾乳石の幻想的な世界が広がります。鍾乳洞の博物館とも言われ、様々な鍾乳石の形が見られます。
Goyomatsu Limestone Cave

4.0

20 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Yoshinoguntenkawamura Dorogawa

This more than 200 meter-deep limestone cave has a truly mystical atmosphere created by its faintly-lit stalactites, stone pillars, and stalagmites. The cave's largest stone pillar, a truly impressive sight, is a full eight meters tall. Sign up for guided cave tours at Gorogoro Chaya. The caves are closed on Wednesdays and for winter (December 1 to mid-March).

赤井五代松翁が親子二代に渡り，私財を投げうって完成させた鍾乳洞とのことです．以前は現在の面不動鍾乳洞と同じく，観光客自らが自由に散策できましたが，氷柱石や石筍を折って持ち去る不届き者があり，現在では係員の方の案内に従い，鍾乳洞の中を見学するスタイルに戻ったとのことでした．私たちが訪れた時は，その他の観光客が居らず，モノレール（トロッコ）で鍾乳洞入口まで上り，係員の方の説明をいただきながら，二人だけ...
Sekigahara Daishonyu-do (Stalactite Cavern)

3.0

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Pref. Fuwagunsekigaharachou Tama 1328-3

With its stalactite and stalagmite formations, Sekigahara Daishonyu-do (Stalactite Cavern) is a real natural wonder. Visitors can view rainbow trout swimming in the clear water that gushes out from the cave, and there is an abundance of Paleozoic fossils to be seen. The area around the Cavern is full of natural beauty in every season of the year. Besides the spring cherry blossom, the wisteria are in full bloom around May 10 each year, and the autumn foliage is a sight for sore eyes; the autumn foliage season starts around mid-October, but the best time to see the leaves is from around mid-November until early December.

何でもない、只の小規模な鍾乳洞でした。７月-８月は無休らしいが、普段は水曜日は定休？日らしい。駐車場も完備されていて小規模だが、それなりには楽しめる。但し、料金は京都の社寺並のぼったくり、大人７００円、子供３００円、幼児まで有料？で２００円・・・子供と幼児くらいは無料にしてやれよ！