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A designated national natural monument and one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan.
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.
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
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
This is a viewing space where the first underground lake can be seen from above. © Iwate Tourism Association
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Located at the foot of Mt. Ureira, Ryusendo Cave is one of Japan's three largest limestone caves. Its currently known total length is about 4,088 meters, of which around 700 meters are open to visitors.
The first time I stepped inside, I was truly amazed! Along the way, you can see stalactites in all kinds of shapes, and the lighting around the underground lakes gives the entire cave a mysterious, dreamlike atmosphere. It was so beautiful that I couldn't stop taking pictures. Water drips down from time to time along the route, but the overall visitor environment is very well maintained. Some areas have protective covers, and the floors have also been treated to prevent slipping, which makes walking around feel much safer.
The most impressive features are the underground lakes inside the cave. Under the lights, the crystal-clear water takes on captivating colors, blending with the naturally formed stalactites all around it. It's so beautiful it almost doesn't look real. And the temperature inside the cave is only about 7°C!
In summer, this place is basically a natural air-conditioned room. If it's hot and humid outside, the instant coolness when you enter makes you not want to leave. There's more to see here than just stalactites—the underground lakes, rock walls, and unusual landforms along the way are all well worth seeing.
The underground lake is crystal clear, and the lighting makes the whole place feel mysterious.
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