Akiyoshido Cave — Attraction in Mine

One of the highlights on my trip to Japan. The cave was huge and long with a well paved concrete path. There are many self-service audio stations to give you more information at various points-of-interests. Sections of the cave is lit so you don't need a flashlight. In fact, it was distracting when one person was shining their flashlight everyone. Leave the flashlight at home. However, if your night vision is poor, you'll want to be careful or stay home. Steps can be steep and sometime slippery. Wear good footwear. The temperature was cool but not enough to wear a jacket. You'll need a tripod or some type of stabilizer if you want to take good photos. You can also set your ISO high as well. It was also neat to see the river flow through. When I went, there was very little people and almost no tourists. I highly recommend this place. There are no restrooms in the cave so make sure you go at the entrances. I also recommend bringing a bento box as amenities are limited. Overall, this is worth coming to. You'll need to drive or take the bus here. You can get here via the Bocho bus at Shin-Yamaguchi. Please make sure you look at the timetable as departures from the station and the cave is limited. Bocho bus station at Shin-Yamaguchi is on the North Gate Exit. Don't get mislead to follow the tour bus sign. You'll need to go towards just the bus sign. Once you get to the ground floor, look for the Bus Information sign. There is a kiosk to buy bus tickets, however everything is in Japanese and there is no English button. When I was there, a staff member helped me out. He didn't speak Japanese but I Akiyoshido Cave in Japanese and he helped me buy tickets. You can also pay your fare on the bus but you'll want to make sure you get one the right bus. We took off from platform #2.

TIp, if you want to go to Akiyoshidai Karst Lookout, you can do so by exiting 3/4 inside the cave. You'll come to a split and you'll have to decide to go left or right. If you go right, you end up at an elevator which will take you to a bare parking lot. From the parking lot, there is a unmaintained road to the left as you exit the building with the elevator. The Lookout is 1700 feet straight. Back to the cave... if you make a left, you will continue the full length of the cave and come out the other end (Shuhodo Elevator Parking Lot. Nothing much going on here. I ended up walking back down inside the cave. Others have mentioned taking the local bus back to the Visitor Center but I...

Akiyoshido Cave is without a doubt a stunning natural attractions in Japan. As the largest limestone cave in the country, it offers a breathtaking underground experience filled with unique rock formations and stunning scenery. The entrance alone is one of the most beautiful in the world, with a dramatic opening that immediately sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Inside, the cave is vast and filled with fascinating geological formations, underground pools, and beautifully lit pathways that highlight its natural beauty. The sheer scale of the cave is awe-inspiring, and there are multiple entrances for visitors to start their exploration. The cool underground air provides a refreshing escape, making it a great place to visit year-round.

For anyone visiting the area, Akiyoshido Cave is an absolute must-see. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for an unforgettable experience, this cave is...

An unforgettable experience! Akiyoshidō Cave is huge, beautifully lit, and easy to walk through — perfect for all ages. The atmosphere is peaceful and cool (about 17°C year-round), making it a great place to visit even in the summer.

The cave is full of amazing natural features like underground waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and unique rock formations. The “100 Plates” (Hyakumai-zara) were especially stunning. It’s not too dark or claustrophobic, and the walking path is very well maintained with handrails and lights.

You can walk the whole main route in about an hour, and there’s even an elevator that takes you up to the Akiyoshidai Plateau above if you want to explore more. The entrance fee is reasonable (around ¥1,200), and definitely worth it.

It’s not super touristy, which makes it feel even more special. Just wear comfortable shoes — some spots are a little slippery. Highly recommended if you’re in...