Akiyoshido Cave
Akiyoshido, A Long Limestone Show Cave Beneath The Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau In Western Yamaguchi, One Of The Biggest Limestone Caves In Japan, Walked On A Lit Main Route Of Roughly A Kilometre Past Pools, Stalagmites And Rimstone Terraces. · Mine, Yamaguchi
Akiyoshido is a limestone cave in the town of Mine in western Yamaguchi, under the Akiyoshidai plateau, which is often described as the largest karst plateau in Japan. The cave is often said to run about 9 km in total, but only the first kilometre or so is open as the lit show cave, which is the part visitors walk. The route follows an underground stream past pools, rimstone terraces known as the Hyakumaizara, or hundred plates, stalagmites and a tall column often called the Kogane-bashira, the golden pillar. The air is about 17 C all year - cool in summer, mild in winter - so it works as a escape from summer heat. It suits families, rock and geology fans and anyone driving the San-yo coast. Allow one to two hours for the cave, more with the plateau above. It is a real detour from Hiroshima or Fukuoka, and a pleasant stop on a drive. The floors are wet and the rock is slippery, so wear grippy shoes. Entry is by a fee - confirm.
Akiyoshido, Shuho-cho, Mine, Yamaguchi, below the Akiyoshidai karst plateau; the main entrance is reached by road from Mine or by bus from Shin-Yamaguchi, Mine, Yamaguchi, Japan
The cave is usually open every day of the year, with long daytime hours that run later in summer and shorter in winter, and a last entry well before closing - confirm the current times before you travel. There is no winter closure, though ice or typhoon damage can shut a section briefly. The cave has three entrances, the main entrance, an elevator and Kurotani - confirm which are in use. Most visitors enter by the main entrance, walk the lit route and come out the same way or by the elevator to the plateau. From Shin-Yamaguchi it is a long bus ride of roughly an hour or more, so check the timetable and the last return bus. Car or taxi is easier. Entry is a fee, commonly JPY 1,000-1,500, roughly USD 7-10 - confirm. Cash helps at small shops.