Akiyoshido Cave: Exploring One of the Largest Limestone Caves in the Orient

Akiyoshido Cave: An Underground Palace Created by a Karst Plateau

Akiyoshido Cave spreading beneath the Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is Japan's largest class limestone cave with a total length of approximately 10 kilometers (approximately 1 kilometer open to tourists). The limestone cave formed over more than 100 million years creates a mysterious underground world.

Highlights Inside the Cave

Inside the cave, famous spots are scattered throughout including "Hyakumaizara" (Hundred Plates), "Ogon-bashira" (Golden Pillar), and "Ohiroba" (Grand Hall). The "Hundred Plates" in particular features unusual terrain with countless plate-shaped rocks arranged in terraced steps, representing Akiyoshido's iconic scenery. The "Grand Hall" features a vast space exceeding 20 meters in height. The temperature inside the cave is approximately 17°C throughout the year, feeling cool in summer and warm in winter.

Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau

Akiyoshidai spreading above Akiyoshido Cave is Japan's largest karst plateau (approximately 130 square kilometers) and is designated a quasi-national park. The distinctive landscape of countless limestone rocks jutting from grassland offers a panoramic view as far as the eye can see. The "Akiyoshidai Mountain Burning" takes place at the end of February to early March each year, engulfing the entire plateau in flames.

Nagatobo Copper Mine Ruins

Around Akiyoshidai are also the "Nagatobo Copper Mine Ruins" that were mined from the Nara period (8th century). Considered a source of copper used in casting the Great Buddha of Nara, it is also popular with history enthusiasts.

Access

Accessible by bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station or Asa Station. A half-day or full-day course enjoying both Akiyoshido Cave and Akiyoshidai is recommended.