Hirao Dai

Hiraodai

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Hirao Dai boasts a breathtaking karst plateau, offering diverse landscapes and abundant natural beauty.

Scenic Views
Historic Sites

Tourist destination images of Hirao Dai(1)

Tourist destination images of Hirao Dai(2)

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Tourist destination images of Hirao Dai(4)

HighlightsVast Karst Plateau
Unique Rock Formations and Caves
Abundant Nature
Trekking Courses
Cave Exploration

Basic Information

Address: Hirao Dai, Kokuraminami Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Fukuoka

Access: Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from JR Ishihara Station, or about 25 minutes from the Yokoyodai exit of the Kitakyushu Urban Expressway. Show route

Op.Hours: Hirao-dai Nature Observation Center: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Entrance by 4:30 PM) Senbutsu Cave: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Weekends and Holidays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mejiro Cave: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Oga Cave: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Weekends and Holidays 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Cld.Days: Varies depending on each facility.

Fee: Senbutsu Cave: Adult ¥900, Junior High Student ¥600, Elementary Student ¥500, Preschooler (4 years and older) ¥200 Mejiro Cave: Adult ¥500, Junior High Student and younger ¥250 Oga Cave: Junior High Student and older ¥500, Elementary Student ¥300

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Overview

Hirao Dai is a karst plateau located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, reaching altitudes of 300-700m. It's considered one of Japan's three great karst plateaus. Formed approximately 2 million years ago, it's the result of limestone deposits from the seabed rising and being eroded by rain and wind over vast stretches of time. Hirao Dai's distinctive feature is its exposed limestone formations. Countless limestone boulders dot the plateau, interspersed with grasslands and forests. The plateau also houses numerous mysterious caves, including Senbutsu and Mejiro Caves. These caves were formed over eons as rainwater dissolved the limestone and seeped underground. Inside, you'll find stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and curtain-like formations of limestone, creating a magical and enchanting world. Hirao Dai is a captivating tourist spot offering a blend of nature, history, and culture. Explore vast grasslands, discover unique rock formations and caves, and tour the fascinating caves – the possibilities are endless. Whether you seek immersion in nature, enjoy trekking and hiking, or crave a caving adventure, Hirao Dai is the place to be.