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Senbutsu Limestone Cave

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Senbutsu Limestone Cave

A large limestone cave in the Karst plateau "Hiraodai," designated as a national natural monument.

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"Hiraodai" is one of Japan's three major Karst plateaus. Spanning approximately 11km north to south, 2km east to west, and 400-600m in height, this Karst plateau was designated as a national natural monument in 1953, ensuring its protection. Located on this plateau is the Senbutsu Limestone Cave, said to derive its name from the temple Senbutsuin, which is believed to have been established by Gyoki and is a branch temple of Gan-Kouji Temple in Yukuhashi City, Fukuoka Prefecture. In 1935, it was designated as a national natural monument.

The cave extends over 1,200m, making it the largest cave in Hiraodai. Formed over many years through the dissolution of limestone by groundwater, which is characteristic of limestone regions, visitors can explore up to 900m from the entrance of the cave. Up to 480m can be entered with shoes on, but beyond that, called "Oku no Hosomichi" (The Narrow Road to the Deep), you must walk in water, so it's advised to change into straw sandals (provided for free) at the entrance. The natural beauty, created over a long period, is truly overwhelming.

The cave's interior maintains a constant temperature of about 16 degrees throughout the year, offering a cool respite during summer. The round trip to the 900m point accessible from the entrance offers about 40 minutes of adventure.

Highlights

  • A 1,200m long limestone cave designated as a national natural monument.
  • Among the caves in one of Japan's three major Karsts, Hiraodai, it boasts the largest scale.
  • Up to 900m from the entrance is open for exploration.
  • Beyond the 480m mark, known as "Oku no Hosomichi," involves walking through water.
  • It takes about 40 minutes for a round trip from the entrance to the 900m point.

Photos

  • The entrance features approximately 30 hanging stalactites of various sizes.

    The entrance features approximately 30 hanging stalactites of various sizes.

  • From "Oku no Hosomichi," the path leads through water.

    From "Oku no Hosomichi," the path leads through water.

  • Located in "Hiraodai," one of Japan's three major Karsts.

    Located in "Hiraodai," one of Japan's three major Karsts.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Can you provide services in foreign languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
A

There are no fluent speakers.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
A

Re-entry is not allowed.

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?
A

Not available.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Available (for a fee).

Q

What kind of clothing is recommended?
A

Shorts or pants that can be rolled up to the knee are preferable, as you might get wet up to the knees of an adult.

Q

Can credit cards or electronic money be used?
A

Only cash is accepted.

Q

Is sandal rental available?
A

Sandals are available for loan, but their number is limited, so bringing your own is encouraged.

Q

What should I bring?
A

A towel to dry your wet feet (New towels are available for purchase, and towels for communal use are provided).

Reviews

1

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 簡蓉

    This is a fantastic place to bring kids—it's like the best natural classroom for learning about geography!

Details

Name in Japanese
千仏鍾乳洞
Postal Code
803-0186
Address
3-2-1 Hiraodai, Kokuraminami-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
Telephone
093-451-0368 (Senbutsu Limestone Cave Office)
Closed
Free to walk
Business Hours
Weekdays 9:00am - 5:00pm, Weekends and holidays 9:00am -6:00pm
*Open until sunset during autumn and winter.
*Entrance is allowed up to 30 minutes before closing time (until 4:15pm during winter).
Admission
Entrance fee Adults 1,000yen, junior high school students 600 yen, elementary school students 500 yen, 4 years and up 200 yen
Access
(1) Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Hitahikosan Line’s Ishiharamachi Station
(2) Approximately 20 minutes by car from Kokuraminami I.C. of the Tohoku Expressway.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
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