Senbutsu Limestone Cave

Hiraodai is one of Japan’s three major karst plateaus. Stretching approximately 11 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west at elevations of 400 to 600 m, the plateau was designated a National Natural Monument in 1953 and is now protected. Senbutsu Limestone Cave is located on Hiraodai. Its name is said to come from Senbutsuin, a subtemple of Gankoji Temple in Yukuhashi City, Fukuoka Prefecture, which is believed to have been founded by Gyoki. The cave itself was designated a National Natural Monument in 1935.

With a total length of 1,200 m, it is one of the largest caves on Hiraodai. Formed over many years as groundwater dissolved the limestone, the cave is open to visitors up to 900 m from the entrance. You can keep your shoes on for the first 480 m, but beyond this point lies a section called “Oku no Hosomichi” (The Narrow Road to the Depths), where you must walk through water. Change into the free rental sandals at the entrance before heading farther in. The natural formations created over countless years are an impressive sight.

The temperature inside the cave remains around 16°C throughout the year, making it pleasantly cool in summer. A round trip from the entrance to the farthest accessible point, 900 m inside, offers an approximately 40-minute adventure.