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Hida Great Limestone Cave: A Subterranean Wonderland

Explore Japan's highest limestone cave: a 250-million-year-old subterranean world of stalactites, stalagmites, and rare geological formations.

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Descend into the Hida Great Limestone Cave, Japan's highest at 900m above sea level, and explore a stunning natural formation created over 250 million years. Illuminated tunnels reveal a maze of stalactites, stalagmites, and rare helictites, offering a cool escape in summer. The adjacent Ohashi Collection Kan Museum displays 1,000 art and decorative pieces, enhancing the experience.

A brief summary to Hida Great Limestone Cave

Local tips

  • Wear appropriate clothing; the cave temperature remains around 12°C (53.6°F) year-round.
  • Consider your stamina; the cave has multiple exits to shorten your tour if needed.
  • Visit the Ohashi Collection Kan Museum at the entrance to view a diverse collection of art and artifacts.
  • If arriving by public transport from Takayama, take the bus to Shonyudo-guchi bus stop and use the interphone to call the free shuttle.
  • Purchase advance tickets online for a discount.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal, take the bus towards Hirayu Onsen or Shinhotaka. Get off at the Shonyudo-guchi bus stop (approx. 30 minutes). Use the interphone at the bus stop to call the free shuttle to the cave entrance. A round-trip bus ticket combined with the cave admission fee costs approximately ¥2,560 for adults and ¥1,330 for children.

  • Driving

    From Takayama, drive east on Route 158 towards Okuhida Onsen Villages (approx. 28 minutes). Free parking is available for cars (200 spaces) and buses (6 spaces). During winter, ensure your vehicle is equipped with studless tires or chains due to potential snowfall.

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Discover more about Hida Great Limestone Cave

The Hida Great Limestone Cave, nestled in the mountains near Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, presents a captivating journey into the earth's depths. Formed over an astounding 250 million years, when the area was submerged under the ocean, this natural wonder stretches 800 meters and stands as Japan's highest limestone cave at an elevation of 900 meters. Inside, a mesmerizing world unfolds. Colorful lights illuminate the maze-like tunnels, showcasing a stunning array of stalactites, stalagmites, and the rare, curved helictites. The cave is divided into three distinct sections, each offering a unique perspective on Hida's ancient history. Cave 1, known as 'Nightscape of the Dragon's Palace,' welcomes visitors with a surreal display of red and blue lights. Cave 2 features the 'Dream Palace,' adorned with icicle-like soda-straw stalactites. Finally, Cave 3, the 'Moon World,' presents a lunar-like landscape and a narrow path leading to the 'Fall of Happiness,' a waterfall where visitors can pray. The cave maintains a stable, cool temperature of around 12°C (53.6°F) year-round, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat. In addition to the cave itself, the Ohashi Collection Kan Museum, located at the entrance, displays approximately 1,000 art and decorative artifacts from around the world, offering a cultural complement to the natural spectacle. For those concerned about stamina, the cave is designed with multiple exits, allowing visitors to tailor their exploration. Exit 1 takes approximately 10 minutes from the entrance, Exit 2 about 20 minutes, and Exit 3 around 30 minutes. Note that the path beyond Exit 2 involves steeper sections.

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