# Akiyoshido Cave

> Japan's largest and longest limestone cave, stretching over 10 kilometers underground with approximately one kilometer open to the public. The cave contains spectacular formations including massive stalagmites and terraced limestone pools.

- Prefecture: Yamaguchi
- Type: Attraction
- Address: Mine, Yamaguchi, Japan
- Official site: https://karusuto.com/spot/akiyoshido/

Akiyoshido is Japan's largest limestone cave, with a total mapped length exceeding 10 kilometers, though approximately one kilometer of well-lit walkways are open to the public. The cave sits beneath the Akiyoshidai karst plateau, the largest karst landscape in Japan, and was formed over 300,000 years ago by the dissolution of ancient coral reef limestone. Inside, visitors encounter extraordinary formations including Hyakumaizara, a series of terraced rimstone pools resembling rice paddies that cascade down a slope, and the towering Kogane-bashira golden pillar stalagmite rising 15 meters from the cave floor. The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 17 degrees Celsius year-round, making it a comfortable visit in any season. An elevator near the midpoint connects to the Akiyoshidai plateau above, allowing visitors to combine the underground cave tour with a walk across the vast grassland dotted with exposed limestone pinnacles. The cave is designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan and is one of the most visited caves in the country.

## FAQ

### How do I get to Akiyoshido Cave?

Buses from Shin-Yamaguchi Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen reach Akiyoshido in about 40–45 minutes.

### What is Akiyoshido?

It is Japan's largest limestone cavern, with about 1 km of its huge galleries open to visitors, including the rice-terrace 'Hyakumai-zara' pools and the 'Golden Pillar'. Above it spreads the Akiyoshidai karst plateau dotted with white limestone.

### What are the entry fee and conditions inside?

Admission is around ¥1,300 for adults, and the cave is open daily from about 8:30 to 17:30. The interior stays around 17°C year-round, so bring a light layer even in summer.

---
Source: Akiyoshido Cave — Japan Voyage