Abukuma Cave
Abukuma Cave is one of the largest limestone caverns in eastern Japan, formed over 80 million years and stretching more than 3 kilometres beneath the hills of central Fukushima. Approximately 600 metres are open to the public along a well-lit standard course, where stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations of extraordinary delicacy fill illuminated chambers. An additional adventure course — requiring a helmet and crawling through narrow passages — takes visitors into sections rarely seen in Japanese show caves. The cave maintains a year-round temperature of around 15°C, making it refreshingly cool in summer and pleasantly mild in winter.
1–2 hours
¥1,200 (adults/high school and above), ¥800 (junior high students), ¥600 (elementary school children); adventure course +¥300
8:30–17:00 (Apr 1–Jun 22), 8:30–17:30 (Jun 23–Sep 30), 8:30–17:00 (Oct 1–Nov 15), 8:30–16:30 (Nov 16–Mar 6), 8:30–17:00 (Mar 7–Mar 31); adventure course entry until 1.5 hours before closing
Year-round
By car: approximately 15 minutes from Tamura Smart IC. By public transport: travel via Koriyama to JR Banetsu East Line Kamimata Station, then take a taxi for about 5 minutes.
Location
Why Visit
- 1
One of eastern Japan's largest limestone caves — 80 million years of geological history.
- 2
Delicate stalactite and flowstone formations in illuminated chambers along a 600m course.
- 3
Adventure course lets visitors crawl through unexplored-feeling passages with a helmet.
- 4
Year-round 15°C interior — cool in summer, mild in winter.
Local Tips
Wear shoes with good grip. The cave route includes many stairs (about 300 steps), and strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted.
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