Ryusendo Cave

Ryusendo

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Ryusendo is known as one of Japan's three great limestone caves, offering a mystical subterranean world.

Historic Sites
National Treasure
World Heritage
Scenic Views

Tourist destination images of Ryusendo Cave(1)

Tourist destination images of Ryusendo Cave(2)

Tourist destination images of Ryusendo Cave(3)

Tourist destination images of Ryusendo Cave(4)

HighlightsOne of Japan's Three Great Limestone Caves
Mystical Stalactites and Stalagmites
Crystal-Clear Underground Lakes
Bat Inhabitants
Water Selected as One of Japan's 100 Best Waters

Basic Information

Address: 1-1 Iwizumi Kaminari, Iwizumi-machi, Shimohei-gun, Iwate Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Iwate

Access: Approximately 10 minutes by Iwate Town Minami-Iwate bus (Komasen, Yasakadōsen, Sawanakasen, Natsusetsusen lines) or Tanohata Village bus from Iwizumi Fire Station (former Iwizumi Station). Alternatively, take the Sanriku Railway Rias Line to Iwizumi-Komori Station, then approximately 45 minutes by Iwate Town Minami-Iwate bus (Komasen line). From JR Morioka Station on the JR East Tohoku Main Line, take the JR Bus Tohoku Hayasaka Kogen Line for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. All routes will drop you off at Ryusendo. Show route

Op.Hours: Monday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Thursday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Cld.Days: Irregular holidays

Fee: Adults & High school students: ¥1,100 Elementary & Junior high school students: ¥550

INFO: The cave temperature is a cool 11℃. We recommend dressing in layers to easily adjust to the temperature.

HP: https://www.iwate-ryusendo.jp/

Overview

Ryusendo Cave is a limestone cave located in Iwizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture, and is considered one of Japan's three great limestone caves, alongside Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park and Ryūgadō Cave. With a total length exceeding 1,200 meters and a vertical drop of 249 meters, it's renowned for its numerous underground lakes. Exploration was temporarily halted due to a diving accident involving a cave explorer; the actual length is estimated to be over 2.5 kilometers. The cave's interior is a breathtaking spectacle of stalactites and stalagmites of various sizes, creating a mystical atmosphere. The crystal-clear underground lakes, especially, are strikingly beautiful, often referred to as "Dragon Blue." The water boasts exceptional clarity and was selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Waters in 1985 (as "Ryusendo Underground Lake Water"). Ryusendo Cave is home to five bat species: Kikugasira-koumori, Kokikugasira-koumori, Momojiro-koumori, Usagi-koumori, and Tengu-koumori. These bats, along with the cave itself, were designated a National Natural Monument on December 14, 1938, under the name "Iwizumi Yūkutsu and Bats". Designated a National Natural Monument, Ryusendo Cave is a precious natural heritage site under protection. The nearby Japan Speleological Society Institute serves as a center for cave research. Ryusendo Cave is a truly remarkable tourist spot where you can experience the wonders of nature.