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Hida Great Limestone Cave: A Subterranean Wonderland

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Explore Japan's highest limestone cave: a 250-million-year-old natural wonder with stunning formations and a cool, constant climate.

The Hida Great Limestone Cave, nestled in the mountains near Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, is a stunning natural attraction formed over 250 million years. As Japan's highest-altitude tourist cave at 900 meters, it offers a cool escape with illuminated caverns, rare helictites, and the Ohashi Collection Kan Museum.

A brief summary to Hida Great Limestone Cave

  • Monday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5:30 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hida Great Limestone Cave.

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on potentially wet and uneven surfaces inside the cave.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the temperature inside the cave remains a cool 12°C (53.6°F) year-round.
  • If visiting during peak season, arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability.
  • Take advantage of the exits after each cave section if you need a break or are traveling with small children.
  • Allocate time to visit the Ohashi Collection Kan Museum, which houses a diverse collection of art and artifacts.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Hirayu Onsen or Shinhotaka and disembark at Shonyudo-guchi bus stop (approx. 30 minutes). From there, use the special service phone to call for a free shuttle service to the cave entrance. A round-trip bus ticket combined with the cave admission is available at Takayama Nohi Bus Center. The set ticket for adults is JPY 2,560.

  • Car

    From Takayama, drive east on Route 158 towards Okuhida Onsen Villages (approx. 25-30 minutes). Free parking is available onsite with a capacity for 300 cars.

Discover more about Hida Great Limestone Cave

Venture into the depths of the Hida Great Limestone Cave, a natural marvel sculpted over 250 million years. Situated at an impressive 900 meters above sea level, this cave stands as the highest tourist limestone cave in Japan, offering a unique subterranean experience. The cave stretches approximately 800 meters, revealing a mesmerizing labyrinth of illuminated tunnels and chambers.Inside, discover a world adorned with countless stalactites and stalagmites, artistically lit to enhance their natural beauty. The cave is known for its rare helictites, curved stalactites that add to the otherworldly atmosphere. The temperature inside remains a constant 12°C (53.6°F) year-round, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat.The Hida Great Limestone Cave is divided into three distinct sections, each offering unique sights. 'Nightscape of the Dragon's Palace' greets visitors with red and blue lights. 'Dream Palace' displays icicle-like stalactites. The third cave, 'Moon World', features a lunar-like landscape and a waterfall called the Fall of Happiness. For those with stamina concerns, exits are available after each section.Enhance your visit with a trip to the Ohashi Collection Kan Museum, located near the cave entrance. The museum showcases around 1,000 art pieces and decorative items from around the world.

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