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Cave · Mine, Yamaguchi
Akiyoshido Cave
One of the largest limestone caves in Japan, beneath the Akiyoshidai plateau, with a route of about 1 km amid underground rivers, terraced calcite pools and the Golden Pillar; it stays at about 17 °C year-round.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Akiyoshido Cave in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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About Akiyoshido Cave
Akiyoshido Cave lies beneath the Akiyoshidai plateau in Mine and is one of the largest limestone caves in Japan, with more than 10 km of known galleries. About 1 km is prepared for visitors, with walkways and lighting, in a large corridor through which an underground river flows. It is a Special Natural Monument of Japan.
The main entrance is a high opening at the base of a cliff, at the end of a woodland trail beside the river. Inside, the ceiling reaches tens of meters, and the temperature is around 17 °C all year, cool in summer and mild in winter. The formations have names: the Hyakumaizara, the “hundred trays,” is a sequence of shallow terraced calcite pools with still water; the Koganebashira, the Golden Pillar, is a yellowish calcite column over 15 meters high that descends from a fissure in the ceiling.
The route also passes through wide halls, calcite waterfalls and an area called Kasa-zukushi, with umbrella-shaped formations. There are three entrances: the main one, Kurotani and the elevator, which goes directly up to the plateau near the viewpoint.
At the main entrance area there is a street of shops, restaurants and hotels, and the bus terminal. A more adventurous section, with narrower passages and stairs, is usually open for an extra fee. Bring a light jacket in summer and closed footwear, as the ground is wet.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours for the main route; longer if you include the adventure section.
Best time
All year round, because the temperature is constant. Weekends and holidays have more visitors; mornings tend to be quieter. Confirm opening hours before you go.
How to get there
Buses from Shin-Yamaguchi and Hagi arrive at the Akiyoshido terminal, a few minutes’ walk from the main entrance. By car, there are paid parking lots on the access road.
Tip
Enter through the main entrance and exit via the elevator, which leads up to the plateau. From the viewpoint, return by bus or walk down the slope to the terminal.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Akiyoshido Cave
How large is the Akiyoshido cave?
More than 10 km of known galleries, of which about 1 km is open to visitors, with walkways and lighting.
Is it cold inside Akiyoshido cave?
The temperature stays around 17 °C year-round. In summer a light layer helps; in winter the cave is warmer than the outside.
What is the Hyakumaizara?
A sequence of shallow limestone pools in steps, formed by water over thousands of years. The name means ‘one hundred platters.’
How do you get from the cave up to the plateau?
By an elevator that starts at one of the cave entrances and reaches the top of Akiyoshidai, near the karst viewpoint.
Beyond the guide
