Akiyoshidai, Akiyoshido

Akiyoshidai is Japan’s largest karst plateau spread in the middle of and eastern of Mine city, the central city of Yamaguchi prefecture. A coral reef which was born about three hundred million years ago in the warm sea became limestone while moving on the plate over a huge time, and the limestone accumulated and moved from the sea to the mountain became Akiyoshidai. The scenery of the limestone found through the prairie is spectacular.

Under the ground of Akiyoshidai, there are limestone caves spreading like spider webs.　A total of caves are over 450, one of them, Akiyoshi-do was designated as a Special Natural Monument, Kagekiyo-do was a hideaway where the defeated military commanders of the Heike lay doggo, and Taisho-do is a three- dimensionally labyrinth cave. You can taste a real adventure in another dimension in the cool air. Among the other highlights, you can drive or cycle through prairies on The Karst Road, view all over the plateau from the Akiyoshi-dai Karst Observation deck, and the Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau Geopark Center “Karstar” is a information center and a free resting area.

You will surely be satisfied enough with the mystery of nature created by activity of the earth over and under the ground. Spend your time actively trekking or exploring caves.