Ryusendo Cave
One of Japan's three great limestone caves, famous for underground lakes of extraordinary blue clarity — visibility reaches 41.5 metres. The cave system extends at least 4 kilometres (known length 4,088 m), with the most dramatic 700 metres open to visitors.
1–2 hours
¥1,100
8:30–17:00 (Oct–Apr); 8:30–18:00 (May–Sep). Last entry 30 min before closing. Closed during heavy rain.
Year-round
Bus from Iwaizumi Station (5 min)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Third Underground Lake is 98 metres deep with visibility of 41.5 m — the clearest cave water in Japan
- 2
Tens of thousands of Japanese horseshoe bats roost in the cave — Japan's largest bat colony
- 3
The cave air stays at 10°C year-round — refreshing in summer, gentle in winter
- 4
The on-site Science Museum displays cave ecology and the bat colony in detail
Local Tips
One of the world's most beautiful limestone caves — three underground lakes of extraordinary clarity with visibility to 41.5m in the deepest. The electric blue light of the deepest lake is remarkable. The cave maintains 10°C year-round — bring a layer in summer. The Ryusendo-do Village outside has traditional craft demonstrations.
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