Discover the Top 6 Best Caves in All of Japan

Japan is known for its beautiful traditional culture and vibrant pop culture. While exploring the urban life of Japan is sure to be exciting, the nature of Japan should not be something you miss on your trip. Japan and its caves are the perfect day trip exploration on your time in Japan! Japan has a history that dates more than 2,000 years, and its caves have developed alongside humans, creating a unique experience found nowhere else! Due to the language barrier and dangerous nature of cave exploring, take the necessary precautions before your caving adventures. Guided tours are available for tourist-heavy destinations, perfect for bringing along a bigger group, or solo adventuring.

1. Akiyoshido Cave

Located a 20-minute drive outside of Mine City, Yamaguchi prefecture is Akiyoshido. Akiyoshido is one of the largest limestone reserves in all of Japan, giving the cave and land surrounding it an interesting feel. This landscape called “karst” is full of small streams, little caves, and even sinkholes that employers are able to climb in. Akiyoshido contains walking trails all around the caves, ideal for those with children or for those who do not feel comfortable with free-range exploring. With an abundance of limestone formations within the cave, there is so much to explore and view.

Akiyoshido provides guests with the option of guided tours. A cave within the park called Kagekiyodo is not only beautiful but also has stories of warlords who’ve fought within the cave. Having a guide to elaborate on these stories will make the trip that much better. An hour-long tour throughout the wonders of Akiyoshido will cost 6000 yen, or roughly $40.00. Akiyoshido is the perfect day trip for your time in Japan.

2. Ryusendo Cave

Ryusendo Caves are considered to be one of the great three limestone caves in Japan! This cave is perfect for everyone, with hiking trails that go throughout the caves. One of the main attractive features of Ryusendo is the crystal clear water. Multiple underground lakes have been found in Ryusendo, and three are included in the main trail. Walking past these lakes feels like looking into a whole new world. You’re able to see straight into the cave below, with a crystal blue tint added to it. This cave feels like walking through a fairy tale story.

Ryusendo is located in Iwate Prefecture, about a two-hour drive away from Morioka City. While the trip might be far, it is worth staying in a hotel or lodging close to Ryusendo for a night or two. The countryside is one of the best ways to experience a new culture, and spending it in a dreamlike cave makes it all the more worth it. Entry to the cave costs 1,100 yen ($8.00) for adults and 550 yen ($4.00) for children.

3. Narusawa Ice Cave

The Narusawa Ice Cave is not only beautiful to view, but it also has a long history important to the region. With over 1,150 years of history, ice that was formed in this cave was used by those who lived close by. Visitors to Narusawa can take the trail through the cave. The cave is shaped similarly to an infinity symbol, making it easy to travel through.

Located close to Mt. Fuji, the Narusawa Ice Caves make the perfect day trip. If you are planning on staying in the Tokyo/Yokohama areas, it will take around a two-hour car ride, but it is so worth it from the sights you’ll see. Entry is also on the cheaper side, with adults paying 350 yen ($2.50) and kids paying 200 ($1.50). If you want a unique story to tell from Japan, definitely go to Narusawa Ice Caves.

4. Ryugashido Cavern

Ryugashido Cavern is the perfect spot to avoid the heat. Summers in Japan are brutal, with temperatures reaching up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s always humid. Ryugashido Cavern stays a cool 60 degrees year-round, ideal for a day away from the heat. With over 50 observation points in the 400-meter course, Ryugashido has a multitude of sights to see. One famous spot within the cavern is Youkitadou which has a foot bath to cool off from the heat.

Ryugashido Cavern is located an hour’s drive out of Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture. If you want to see sights not normally seen by tourists, Hamamatsu and Ryugashido are the perfect experience! Adults will have to pay 1,000 yen ($7.00) for entrance, and kids will cost 600 yen ($4.00). Whether you’re doing a cross-country trip, or just staying in one spot, be sure to add Ryugashido Cavern to your itinerary.

5. Nippara Limestone Cave

The Nippara Limestone Caves are a vibrant and unique caving experience. Nippara is famous for its bright illuminations on the cave walls with relaxing music accompanying it. The 800-meter walk through the cave is a great escape away from the urban life of Tokyo while on your trip. Within the cave lies a Bodhisattva statue, highlighting the importance of Buddhism in Japan.

Nippara is perfect for those who are staying in Tokyo but want to explore nature still. By public transit, it takes around three hours to get to Nippara, making it the perfect day trip out of Tokyo. While three hours may not be the most desirable way to spend your time, the views of Tokyo City and the surrounding countryside region are beautiful. Be sure to consider adding Nippara Limestone Caves to your plans on your trip to Tokyo.

6. Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is the only water cave experience on this list. This is because the Blue Cave is located in Okinawa, a chain of island south of mainland Japan. While each cave on this list has its specialties, the Blue Cave is a great way to experience your time in Japan. Tours for this cave mean scuba diving and snorkeling! With professionals there to guide you through your tour, scuba diving into limestone caves on this island is bound to be fun! Whether it’s your first time diving or your experience, there is something for every. Children under 3 years old are unable to partake, so plan accordingly.

Okinawa is the southernmost major city of Japan, requiring a flight to the island to visit. There are a multitude of tours available. First-time divers pay around 5,000 yen ($35.00) to dive with a guide. More experienced divers will pay 8,500 yen ($60.00) for a trip that explores more of Okinawa and is more free rein. Exploring the Blue Cave is sure to be a magical experience and something you should add to your list of plans!

Summary

Whether you’re planning your trip to Japan, or just curious about what’s available, this list has the best spots to go caving in Japan! Enjoy your time exploring the sights typically unseen by tourists!