Hida Great Limestone Cave: A Subterranean Wonderland
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
- 1147 Nyukawacho Hiyomo, Takayama, Nyukawacho Hiyomo, Gifu, 506-2256, JP
- +81577-79-2211
- Visit website
Local tips
- 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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
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