# Okinoerabujima

> A raised coral island of about 94 square kilometres between Tokunoshima and Yoron, shared by the towns of Wadomari and China. The limestone under its sugar cane and lily fields is full of caves: Shoryudo is the show cave, and guided caving tours go into wild ones.

- Prefecture: Kagoshima
- Type: Island
- Address: Wadomari, Kagoshima, Japan
- Official site: https://okinoerabujima.info/

Okinoerabujima is lifted coral reef: about 94 square kilometres, topping out at Oyama (240 m), with sugar cane, flower fields and two towns, Wadomari in the east and China in the west. Rain soaks into the limestone, and the result is caves. Shoryudo, about 3.5 km long with 600 m open to visitors, is the one you can walk through on paths; adult entry is 1,100 yen, and a 1.5-hour guided tour with entry included costs 3,500 yen per person for two or more. The wild caves are the bigger draw for some. The Okinoerabu Caving Association runs private tours, about two hours in a beginner cave such as Rimstone Cave or Daija-do, from 22,000 yen per person, and you will get wet and muddy. On the north coast near the airport, Fucha is a set of sea caves where waves force spray up through the rock. There used to be four; all but one were destroyed in the 1960s and 1970s because the salt spray damaged crops. No railings stand at the cliff edge, so stay back in strong wind. Saigo Takamori spent 1862 to 1864 here in exile, and in March and April the fields fill with Erabu lilies.

## FAQ

### Is Shoryudo cave open, and how much does it cost?

Check the tourism association site before you go, as the cave can close for maintenance work. Adult entry is 1,100 yen, and the 1.5-hour guided tour costs 3,500 yen per person for two or more (5,000 yen alone), entry included.

### Can beginners go caving on Okinoerabujima?

Yes. The Okinoerabu Caving Association steers first-timers to Rimstone Cave or Daija-do, about two hours from 22,000 yen per person, with one guide per group. Wear clothes you do not mind soaking, book by the day before at the latest, and expect cancellations after heavy rain floods the caves.

### How do I get to Okinoerabujima?

Fly from Kagoshima (about three flights a day) or Naha (one a day, about an hour); flights from Amami-Oshima go via Tokunoshima. The Marue Ferry and Marix Line ferry takes about 17 hours 30 minutes from Kagoshima and about 7 hours from Naha.

### Is Fucha free, and is it safe to visit?

It is free, about 8 minutes by car from the airport, with a small car park. There are no railings or fences at the cliff edge, so wear sturdy shoes, keep children close and do not go near the edge in strong wind.

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Source: [Okinoerabujima — Japan Voyage](https://travel.japanvoyage.jp/travel_destinations/okinoerabujima)
Last updated: 2026-10-10