I came here while I was on vacation and it was really fun. Getting to the cave takes a ferry and bus ride, all of which are fairly easy to purchase. Look up the ferry departure times and arrive about 20 minutes early to get a ticket. You'll want the extra time just in case you have trouble figuring out which ticket to buy. The workers at the docks are very friendly and will give you directions if you ask. After the ferry, you'll arrive at a visitor center. You can either hike to the cave or purchase a bus ticket at the visitor center and get a ride to the mouth of the cave. It's pretty easy even if you don't understand much Japanese. Have a translator app handy. After the bus ride, you'll buy a ticket to the cave, and you're free to explore.
The cave's association with Momotaro is fun, but the actual history of it being discovered by a school principal (or teacher?) is just as charming. There are several ceramic tiles or emblems depicting oni decorating the cave made by school children that are very old (I was sad to see a few falling apart, but I guess that's expected). There are oni statues there to help illustrate the legend of Momotaro too. The cave is only about 10 different rooms or so, so you can go through it pretty quick.
If you are claustrophobic, I'd advise against it. I have a fear of being trapped under rubble or things falling on top of me, but I didn't feel nervous. Just be aware that there are some tight spaces.
Once you are done with the cave, there are several paths going to various parts of the island you can explore. All are easier hikes, though the humidity and heat might make it a little challenging if you aren't accustomed to it.
I loved my experience.
My only critique was how you needed to purchase three separate tickets to get to the cave (ferry/return - bus - cave entrance, though all three were inexpensive). The website has no means of purchasing any of those tickets (maybe the ferry but I bought mine in person). And the bus schedule is managed by another company and not readily available online. If they offered some kind of large ticket for the ferry rides, bus ride, and cave entrance, it would greatly streamline the process and might even encourage...
Read moreIt is must visit spot on island! You can choose to walk up, renting a bicycle to get to there or take a bus instead! For bus as i remember is 600 yen per ride!
The price of visiting the cave is 600yen! I think it is worthwhile to pay for! Since not many people come here, therefore only me in the cave that day!
The cave is full of myterious and a bit scary! Because it reminds me of a horror movie: travellers want to adventure in a cave, however there are human-like creatures living in that cave! They will kill and eat people there! BUT IT IS ONLY IN MOVIE! The cave i have visited in Takamastu is so safe!
And i think it is so magical, if you stay inside the cave, it is sooo cool inside just like an air conditioner turned on inside! It is really a stunning natural views in Japan!
If you want to do exercise in Japan, you can walk up to the cave! It takes you around 3-4hours for round trip! Remember to bring more...
Read moreThe value for money for the experience was not very high. The island itself is beautiful but you have to pay ferry ticket, then either bus (I recommend walking up if you can it’s cheaper and less then 30 min) or bicycle rent plus the entry to the cave itself is 800yen for adult so it’s quite pricey. The cave tour was very short, less then 5 minutes in and out and basically all you see is the sculpture. Just to compare we went the Ritsurin garden the day before it was 400 yen for adult for a world famous Japanese garden which we easily spent 2...
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