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Ryusendo

岩手県

4.3

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

A cave with an underground lake that shines in dragon blue

One of Japan's three largest limestone caves, designated as a natural monument of the country. Inside the cave, which is over 5,000 meters long, there is an underground lake with world-class transparency. The lake water shines in dragon blue and is worth seeing.

Features & How to Enjoy

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Highlights

Point 1

Shimmering Dragon Blue Underground Lake!

Ryusendo Cave boasts an underground lake that shimmers in dragon blue. This underground lake boasts one of the world's highest levels of transparency, with a beautiful blue hue being its defining feature. The stalactites and rock walls reflected on the clear lake surface create a fantastic landscape that will leave an unforgettable impression on you. This dragon blue underground lake is one of the most popular spots in Ryusendo Cave, captivating visitors. The lake's transparency is so high that it leaves one speechless with its beauty. You can enjoy the mysterious scenery by taking a stroll around the underground lake. The underground lake in Ryusendo Cave is one of nature's beautiful creations, offering a glimpse of the astonishing beauty that sleeps deep within the earth. When you visit, be sure to savor the beauty of the blue underground lake and enjoy a wonderful experience touching the mysteries of nature!

Point 2

Rare Bat Species Inhabits the Area!

画像引用：旅東北

Within Ryusen Cave, there are bat caves where five different species of bats, including the Japanese long-eared bat, inhabit. It's noteworthy that so many different types of bats are living in one cave, which is rare in Japan. At the back of the bat cave, a large number of bats gather. Their appearance is powerful and unforgettable once seen. The bats live in the cave, using the darkness to seek food and rest. Observing their ecology and behavior up close will be a valuable experience. The bat cave in Ryusen Cave is a place that demonstrates the diversity of life and the wonder of nature. Bats play an important role in the ecosystem, and their existence is essential for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. When visiting, please enjoy the valuable experience of touching the mystery of nature while learning about the ecology and importance of protecting the bats.

Point 3

The Legendary Straight Passageway Where a Dragon Once Passed!

Ryusendo Cave has a straight passageway called the "Hyakken Corridor." This corridor extends towards the depths of the cave and was formed along a fault line. Its linear shape resembles a long hallway, and its beauty and grandeur captivate visitors. According to legend, a dragon passed through the Hyakken Corridor, creating this long and narrow path. The Hyakken Corridor at Ryusendo Cave is a place where history and nature merge, offering visitors a rich experience. As you walk through the corridor, try to feel the adventurous spirit of the young people of the past and the legend of the dragon, and explore the mysterious world of the cave.

Point 4

Moon Palace: A Fantastical Atmosphere Created by Light Displays

Ryusen-do Cave boasts a vast space called the Moon Palace, named after the beautiful scenery reminiscent of the moon's world created by the cave's stalactites. In 2011, the Moon Palace was renovated with LED lighting, creating a fantastical atmosphere through light displays. The stalactites in the cave emit a dreamy glow through the changing colors and lighting effects, allowing visitors to enjoy a sensation of being in the moon's world. The Moon Palace is one of the most popular spots in Ryusen-do Cave due to its beautiful scenery and fantastical atmosphere. The mysterious nature of the cave and the radiance of the lighting harmonize perfectly, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.

Point 5

Dragon Spring Cave Park: A Scenic Wonderland Outside the Cave!

画像引用：旅東北

Dragon Spring Cave Park is a facility that extends outside the cave of the same name. The park features seasonal plants that create a beautiful landscape and welcome visitors. During festivals, many people gather here to enjoy the local specialty products of Iwaizumi. Local folk entertainment and music performances are also held, creating a lively atmosphere. In addition, there are two dining establishments in the park that serve dishes made with seasonal specialty products from Iwaizumi. You can enjoy delicious meals that make use of local ingredients. Dragon Spring Cave Park is a place that combines the beauty of nature, local culture and festivals, and delicious food. You can enjoy the scenery and events of the four seasons, as well as the exchange between nature and people and the rich food culture. Be sure to visit Dragon Spring Cave Park and fully experience its charm!

Sightseeing

One of Japan's Three Great Limestone Caves with Beautiful Underground Lakes!

Ryusendo Cave is known as one of Japan's Three Great Limestone Caves. Bats inhabit the cave, and their presence has led to the cave being designated as a natural monument of the country. The total length of the cave is 4,088 meters, of which 700 meters are open to the public. There are eight underground lakes in the cave, three of which are open to the public. Investigations are still ongoing, and many unknown parts remain. The total length is said to reach over 5,000 meters. Beautiful stalactites formed over time can be found in the cave. These stalactites have the beauty of works of art created over a long period of time. Additionally, Ryusendo Cave boasts one of the world's highest levels of transparency for its blue underground lakes. The beautiful scenery is sure to leave an unforgettable impression on those who see it. Ryusendo Cave is a place where you can enjoy the grandeur and beauty of nature. For visitors, the scenery of the cave's stalactites and underground lakes will provide a moving experience like no other, as if they were transported to another world.

Access

About 2 Hours by Car from Morioka IC

To access Ryusendo Cave, if using public transportation, take the Tohoku Iwate Ryusendo Line on the JR Bus from JR Morioka Station and get off at the final stop, Ryusendo-mae, which is just a short walk away. The journey takes about 2 hours and 14 minutes. If using a private car, take National Route 455 via Morioka IC on the Tohoku Expressway and travel about 90 kilometers for about 2 hours. Either way, access is relatively convenient, and a visit to Ryusendo Cave is possible.

Basic Information

	Address	1-1 Iwaizumi Kaminari, Iwaizumi-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate 027-0501, Japan
	Business Hours	8:30～17:00
	TEL	0194-22-2566
	Web Site	http://www.iwate-ryusendo.jp/

Average Review

4.3

4 Reviews

龍泉洞は、日本三大鍾乳洞の一つで、訪れる価値が十分にあります。観光ルートは約700メートルで、入ってすぐの迫力ある流れの水や、第一・第二地底湖の美しさに圧倒されます。特に、透明度の高い水深30メートル以上の地底湖は神秘的で、訪問者に強い印象を与えています。洞内は常に10℃前後で、特に夏でも寒く感じるため、フード付きの上着を持参することを本当に強くお勧めします!! また、階段が多く、高齢者や足腰に不安のある方には注意が必要です。全体的には歩きやすいと感じる人が多いですが、体力に自信がない方は無理をしない方が良いでしょう。台風の影響で閉洞していた時期もありましたが、それを乗り越えて透明度の高い水を再び見ることができた喜びを感じますよ。飲み水やおにぎり、地元の魚介を使ったラーメンなど、食事処も充実しており、特に炭酸水が美味しいと感じました。駐車場は混雑することがあるため、早めの到着をお勧め混雑が予想される時には電話での事前確認が必要かもしれません。平日などは待ち時間はほとんどなく、スムーズに観光できると思います。全体として、龍泉洞は自然の偉大さを感じさせるスポットであり、訪れる価値が絶対あると思います。特に、冬の時期も素敵なのでぜひ四季それぞれで楽しんでください。

平日の15時30分頃に訪れました。中国系の観光バスが1台来ていましたが、その他は数組のお客さんだけで空いていました。中は暗く、狭い場所や階段も多いので、少し大変ですが、良い運動にはなります。 70代の母でも大丈夫でした。 30分から40分で回れます。写真撮ると綺麗に写りますが、実際は暗くて写真のような綺麗な景色ではありません。でも神秘的で行く価値があると思います。外気温が11度で中が10度でした。外の飲料水がとてもおいしかったです。

2024年8月の台風のとき、1週間ほど拝観停止になっています。なぜ1週間も、と不思議に思っていましたが現地に行って納得しました。遊歩道の下、数十センチを地下水脈が轟音を立てて流れているのです。降水量が多ければ地下水はふえます。台風なぞ来た日には、遊歩道は完全に水没でしょう。今回も2日前の降雨で、一部歩道が冠水していたほどです。鍾乳洞というより、地底湖の上に足場を渡してある、という方が当たっているでしょうか。なんたって龍「泉」洞、雨に弱いのも頷けます。最奥部の地底湖周囲はアップダウンがきつく、急な階段が設置されています。手すりはついていますが、かなり滑りやすいので十分注意してください。また地底湖は深部に照明が設置されていて、神秘的な美しさを呈します。つい身をのり出したくなります。ウィル・オ・ウィスプです。でも、手すりに「救命浮き輪」が設置されてはいますが、落ちたらまずアウトでしょう。くれぐれもご注意を。なお内部は結構冷えます、さらに天井からは大量の「雨漏り」があります。防寒、防雨のため雨ガッパは必携です。ところでこの龍泉洞は、山口県の秋芳洞、高知県の龍河洞と並ぶ「三大鍾乳洞」のひとつなんだそうです。ちぇ、知らなきゃよかった。また余分な仕事が増えてしまいました。

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