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Ryusendo Cave

A designated national natural monument and one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan.

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A limestone cave is a cave formed when limestone is eroded by water over a long period of time. Ryusendo, one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan, is a natural limestone cave located at the foot of Mt. Ureira. The total known length of the cave is 4,088 meters, 700 meters of which are open to the public.

The mysterious space created by nature and the lakes formed by water gushing from the limestone caves, underground lakes, are the highlights of the site. Currently, eight underground lakes have been discovered, three of which are currently open to the public. As of now, investigations into the caves are still ongoing, and it is said that it will be some time before the full extent of the cave is known.

In addition, five species of bats live in the cave and can be seen hanging in the passageway at certain times of the year. The "Long Connecting Corridor," a straight passageway, leads to the "bat cave," where bats live, and it is said that the presence of five different species of bats is rare in Japan.

Beyond it, there is the "Spring of Long Life," which is said to prolong one's life by three years if one takes a sip. Visitors can see stalactites of various shapes, including the 10-meter-deep "Dragon Abyss," "Turtle Rock," which resembles the shape of a turtle's shell, and "Moon Palace," which has a fantastic atmosphere. In addition, visitors can view three other underground lakes, including the "First Underground Lake," known as "Dragon Blue.

Highlights

  • Ryusendo Cave is one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan and is designated as a national natural monument, along with the bats that live in the caves.
  • The temperature in the caves is around 10°C throughout the year, so it is advisable to bring a coat of clothing.
  • During rainy seasons, drops of water may drip from the ceiling of the cave, so it is advisable to bring rain gear.
  • There are four staircases, some of which have more than 200 steps. It is recommended that you consult your physical fitness before visiting the caves.
  • The Ryusendo Science Museum can be entered with the Ryusendo entrance ticket.

Photos

  • Three of the eight underground lakes are open to the public, and this is the first underground lake.
© Iwate Tourism Association

    Three of the eight underground lakes are open to the public, and this is the first underground lake. © Iwate Tourism Association

  • This is the second underground lake. The blue color of the lake, coupled with the name of the cave, is called Dragon Blue.
© Iwate Tourism Association

    This is the second underground lake. The blue color of the lake, coupled with the name of the cave, is called Dragon Blue. © Iwate Tourism Association

  • The final stop on the sightseeing course is the third underground lake.
© Iwate Tourism Association

    The final stop on the sightseeing course is the third underground lake. © Iwate Tourism Association

  • Ryusendo is one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan.
© Iwate Tourism Association

    Ryusendo is one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan. © Iwate Tourism Association

  • This is a viewing space where the first underground lake can be seen from above.
© Iwate Tourism Association

    This is a viewing space where the first underground lake can be seen from above. © Iwate Tourism Association

Reviews

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  • 箐箐

    地下的湖水清澈透明,加上燈光照射下充滿神秘的氣氛。

Details

Name in Japanese
龍泉洞
Postal Code
027-0501
Address
1-1 Kannari, Iwaizumi, Iwaizumicho, Shimoheigun, Iwate
Telephone
0194-22-2566
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
8:30am-5:00pm
*Business hours may be subject to change. Please visit the official website for details.
Admission
Adults 1,100 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 550 yen
Access
2 hours and 15 minutes by JR Bus Tohoku from JR Morioka Station to "Ryusendo".
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)