Akiyoshido Cave, the largest Senmai Sando cave in the world

#SeptemberDestinations2025
Akiyoshido Cave, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a limestone cave formed by millions of years of dissolution. It's Japan's largest and most spectacular stalactite cave, boasting what are considered the world's largest "travertine terraces," also known as "Thousand-Meter Plates" or "Hundred-Meter Plates."

On weekdays, the cave isn't very popular. On the day my sons and I visited, there were fewer than five groups of visitors. Public transportation isn't easily accessible, so it's best to drive. We took the bus from Yuda Onsen. You can also take the bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station, which takes about 45-60 minutes. Be aware that buses are infrequent!

After arriving at the bus stop, signs will be displayed to walk to Akiyoshido Cave. You'll first pass through a small forest filled with phytoncides. Once you reach the ticket office, you'll gradually notice the increasing humidity. Soon, you'll see the cave entrance and a pool of water. The water in the pool is an underground stream (an underground river), and it's this flow that creates the wonders of Akiyoshido Cave. Be sure to stop and take a photo here; this scene is a well-known tourist attraction! Personally, I prefer the view I get when I look back after entering the cave. Look! (Cover photo) Light shines in from outside, and doesn't that bright spot resemble Taiwan Island?!

Entering the cave, the pitch-black space is shrouded in mist, with occasional cool breezes taking away the stuffiness. It's said that Akiyoshido Cave is warm in winter and cool in summer, with a constant temperature of 17°C year-round. There's little artificial lighting inside, and if there is, it's only white. With few visitors, it's a peaceful place to admire this ingenious work of nature. The trail is only about one kilometer long, but the entire walk takes two hours. Because of the dense concentration of landscapes within the cave, you should include time to stop and admire and take photos!

We walked to the bottom of the trail, took the elevator to the ground level, and then followed the signs to Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park. Akiyoshido Cave was an underground cave, while Akiyoshidai is now an above-ground limestone formation. I think Akiyoshido Cave is more impressive! But since we're here, we might as well stop by Akiyoshidai! Because of this, I almost missed the last bus back to Shin-Yamaguchi Station!

Post by Chengchichi | Oct 3, 2025