Discover the Natural Beauty of Akiyoshidai


2018.01.24

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

  • While Yamaguchi Prefecture enjoys the scenic benefits of both the coastline and a ragged mountain range, the most celebrated natural attraction is the Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park. Set over a sprawling 130 square kilometers, Akiyoshidai is known for its unique limestone rock formations and caves. After a movement in the Earth’s crust over 300 million years ago, the park is now home to Japan’s largest karst plateau, formed from the coral reef that was here long ago. As well as the limestone rock formations dotted across the plateau, this karst landscape is also characterized by sinkholes and caves, most notably Akiyoshido - Japan’s longest cave.

    Discover the Natural Beauty of Akiyoshidai

    Discover the Natural Beauty of Akiyoshidai

    On your arrival to Akiyoshidai, head on over first to the Karst Observatory to take in the beautiful surroundings. With such a large area to be explored, the park is a popular destination for hiking, but if you're not interested in hiking then fear not, you can settle in at the cafe and take it all in with comfort. On the other hand, if you are not adverse to a hike then take to the trails and allow yourself to be drawn in, exploring the impressive formations and caves up close. The character of the landscape can change dramatically between seasons, but that said each season has its own beauty, making this a destination worth visiting year-round.

    Discover the Natural Beauty of Akiyoshidai

    Discover the Natural Beauty of Akiyoshidai

    Akiyoshidai is interspersed with many caves, however, be sure to explore the three main caves open to the public. There are two smaller caves - Kagekiyo and Taisho - and of course Akiyoshido, which as previously mentioned, is the longest cave in Japan. In these caves, you will experience limestone formations and stalactites that have been forming over millions of years. Be careful of your timing as entry to the caves do close to the public at around 4:30pm, but the wider park remains open and you may even be lucky enough to catch a light installation while there. If you don’t want to leave it to luck, contact the park directly for scheduling information.

    Discover the Natural Beauty of Akiyoshidai

    Discover the Natural Beauty of Akiyoshidai

    Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park is managed by the local government, and if you’re interested in learning more about the history of the area, then there are plenty of facilities available for you to satisfy your curiosity. From the Natural History Museum to the Eco Museum, you can learn about the topography and structure of the land, as well as how this land was used for farming in the Edo period (1603-1867). You can also explore the ruins of Japan’s oldest state-owned copper mine which last operated in the 1950s.

    Discover the Natural Beauty of Akiyoshidai

    Discover the Natural Beauty of Akiyoshidai

    Whether you choose to take in the scenery from the comfort of the cafe, or you hike the trails and explore the formations and caves, Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park will be sure to deliver a natural beauty unlike any other in Japan. The park is accessible by a 60 minute bus from Yamaguchi Station to Akiyoshido bus station and will cost 1,210 yen each way.

    Discover the Natural Beauty of Akiyoshidai

    Discover the Natural Beauty of Akiyoshidai

    Kagekiyo Cave and Taisho Cave are open 365 days a year from 8:30-5:15, however entrance to the cave may be cut off at 4:30, and there is an admission fee of 1,000 yen for adults.
    Akiyoshido Cave is open 365 days a year from 8:30-5:30 (March-November) and 8:30-4:30 (December-February). The admission fee for adults is 1,200 yen.
    Akiyoshidai Museum of Natural History is open from 9-5 and has free admission. Please note it is closed on Mondays and national holidays, as well as New Years holiday (December 28-January 4).
    Akiyoshidai Eco Museum is open from 9-4:30 and has an admission fee of 200 yen for adults. Please note it is closed on Mondays and national holidays, as well as New Years holiday (December 28-January 4).
    The copper mine ruins are open from 9-5 and have an admission fee of 300 yen for adults. Please note they are closed on Mondays and national holidays, as well as New Years holiday (December 28-January 4).

    Akiyoshidai Plateau
    place
    Yamaguchi Mine-shi Shuhocho Akiyoshi
    phone
    0837620305
    opening-hour
    open everyday
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    Akiyoshido
    place
    Yamaguchi Pref. Mineshi Shuhouchouakiyoshi 3506-2
    phone
    0837620305
    opening-hour
    [Dec.- Feb.]8:30-16:30[Mar.-…
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    Kagekiyo Cave
    place
    Yamaguchi Pref. Mineshi Mitouchouaka 3108
    phone
    0839622201
    opening-hour
    8:30-17:15(Last entry16:30)
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    Taisho Cave
    place
    Yamaguchi Pref. Mineshi Mitouchouaka 2666-1
    phone
    0839620605
    opening-hour
    8:30-17:15(Last entry16:30)
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  • Akiyoshido
    place
    Yamaguchi Pref. Mineshi Shuhouchouakiyoshi 3506-2
    phone
    0837620305
    opening-hour
    [Dec.- Feb.]8:30-16:30[Mar.-…
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    Kunisada Park Akiyoshidai
    place
    Yamaguchi Mine-shi
    View Allarrow
    Akiyoshidai Eco Museum
    rating

    3.5

    3 Reviews
    place
    Yamaguchi Mine-shi Mitocho Aka 2368-1
    phone
    0839622622
    opening-hour
    9:00-16:30
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    Naganobori Doyama Bunka Community Center
    place
    Yamaguchi Mine-shi Mitocho Naganobori 610
    phone
    0839620055
    View Allarrow

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