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Akiyoshido

山口県

4.4

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Natural beauty that will leave you in awe. One of Japan's largest limestone caves.

The total length of the cave is the largest in Japan, exceeding 10km. On the approximately 1km tourist course, you can see numerous natural formations. In particular, the "Hyakumadara" that resembles terraced rice fields is worth seeing.

Features & How to Enjoy

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Highlights

Point 1

Overwhelmed by the Stalactites on the Terraced Rice Fields

Probably the most famous spot in Akiyoshido, many people may have seen it in photos. After walking for a while inside the cave, you'll come across the "Hyakumadara" (Hundred Plateaus). You'll be overwhelmed by the sight of stalactites of various sizes, resembling terraced rice fields. Some travelers may even think it looks like Pamukkale in Turkey! Although it's called "Hyakumadara" (Hundred Plateaus), in reality, there are more than 500 connected stalactites, so it might be interesting to count them once.

Point 2

Comparing Height with a Golden Pillar that Looks Like Lace

The Golden Pillar inside Akiyoshido Cave is an impressive stone pillar that is 15 meters tall and 4 meters wide. It's said to have been formed over a long period of time by underground water flowing from the ceiling and along the walls, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the power of nature. The center pillar is surrounded by many thin pillars that overlap, creating a delicate lace-like appearance. Comparing your height to the Golden Pillar allows you to better appreciate its size!

Point 3

Discover Mt. Fuji inside a Cave

After passing through the hundred-plateau, you'll enter a spacious area where the "Cave Mt. Fuji" stands out like the real Mt. Fuji. While Cave Mt. Fuji can be found in other limestone caves, the one inside Akiyoshido Cave is overwhelmingly large and impressive. It's said that the water dripping from the ceiling created this huge mountain, and it's amazing to think that such a large structure was formed over a long period of time.

Point 4

Be Amazed by an Abundance of Stalactites

At the entrance to the Senjojiki area, the largest area inside the cave, there is a group of stalactites called "Kasadori". It is said to be named after the way old umbrella shops used to hang their umbrellas from the ceiling. The sight of many icicles hanging from the ceiling is truly fascinating and captivating.

Point 5

Viewing the "Jellyfish Waterfall Climb"

On the way to the final cave, there is a spot called the "Jellyfish Waterfall Climb," which looks like jellyfish climbing up a waterfall. While jellyfish that live in seawater don't actually climb waterfalls, one can't help but imagine what it would look like if they did. It seems that the underground water seeping from the rock wall has created this unique feature, which has been named the "Waterfall-shaped Limestone Deposits."

Point 6

Comparing the "Hyakumaidara" and "Chimachida" Plates

In addition to the "Hyakumaidara" plates, there are also formations called "Chimachida" in the Akiyoshido Cave that resemble the terraced rice paddies of the region. These formations spread out in the space beyond the Mt. Fuji area of the cave and have softer curves than the Hyakumaidara plates. It's a truly fantastic sight to behold. While they may resemble the rural terraced rice paddies more than the Hyakumaidara plates, how do you feel about them? Why not compare the two and find out for yourself?

Point 7

Challenge Yourself on the "Adventure Course"

To fully enjoy Akiyoshido Cave, why not try the "Adventure Course" instead of just following the tourist route? Starting from the left side of the "Aotenjo" near the main entrance of the cave, this course climbs the rocky surface and follows an unmarked path, relying on the light of your flashlight. It's a 100-meter, 10-15 minute course that will stimulate your sense of adventure with activities such as climbing ladders and crawling through holes. Enjoy the thrill of the adventure!

Required time

Recommended to Allow About an Hour and a Half

The tourist course at Akiyoshido Cave is about 1 kilometer long, and takes about 60 minutes as a guideline, but it takes about 90 minutes to go back and forth. You can enjoy walking while crawling through gaps and climbing ladders, not just walking. By the way, the ground is slippery and wet, so it is recommended to visit in shoes that are not slippery, such as sneakers.

Access

About 30 Minutes by Car from JR Shinyamaguchi Station

It's convenient to access Akiyoshido by car. It takes about 30 minutes by car from JR Shinyamaguchi Station, where the Nozomi Shinkansen stops, and about 45 minutes by car from Yamaguchi Ube Airport if you come by plane. There is also a municipal parking lot in front of Akiyoshido, so you can rest assured. If you can't use a car, it will take a little longer, but there are buses from JR Shinyamaguchi Station and JR Yamaguchi Station, so use them.

Fee

Adults can enter for 1,300 yen!

To enter Akiyoshido Cave, adults and high school students need to pay 1,300 yen, middle school students need to pay 1,050 yen, and elementary school students need to pay 700 yen. There is also a group discount for 20 people or more, so it would be lucky if you can apply it when going with a large group. To enjoy Akiyoshido Cave even more, there is a place called the "Adventure Course," which you can enter for an additional 300 yen. Since you've come all this way, why not try it out?

Basic Information

Better Visit Together

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