Ryusendo Cave
Ryusendo Cave is one of Japan's three great limestone caves, designated as a national natural monument in 1938 under the name "Iwaizumi Cave and Bats." The cave is estimated to be over 5,000 meters long, with recent surveys indicating it extends more than 4,088 meters, and it has a vertical difference of ±195 meters.
Approximately 700 meters of the cave are open to the public as a tourist route, showcasing a mysterious cave space that stretches linearly from the entrance and a subterranean lake with a brilliant "Dragon Blue" hue, featuring highly transparent water. Visitors can explore the first underground lake discovered during surveys in the 1950s, as well as the third underground lake, which boasts a maximum depth of 98 meters.
The water from Ryusendo Cave is used as the municipal water supply for Iwaizumi Town and is also popular as a souvenir. Additionally, five species of bats, including the Japanese long-eared bat, have been confirmed to inhabit the cave. When visiting, it's important to observe gently without touching.
Moreover, visitors can also enjoy the Ryusendo New Cave Science Museum, which offers a common ticket for entry. This museum utilizes natural caves, featuring 200 meters of limestone caves open to the public. Here, various formations of stalactites, cultivated over ancient geological layers, can be seen, and remains dating back to the early Jomon period have also been discovered. The Ryusendo Cave and its surrounding area are well worth a visit for those wishing to experience the wonders of nature and history.
Approximately 700 meters of the cave are open to the public as a tourist route, showcasing a mysterious cave space that stretches linearly from the entrance and a subterranean lake with a brilliant "Dragon Blue" hue, featuring highly transparent water. Visitors can explore the first underground lake discovered during surveys in the 1950s, as well as the third underground lake, which boasts a maximum depth of 98 meters.
The water from Ryusendo Cave is used as the municipal water supply for Iwaizumi Town and is also popular as a souvenir. Additionally, five species of bats, including the Japanese long-eared bat, have been confirmed to inhabit the cave. When visiting, it's important to observe gently without touching.
Moreover, visitors can also enjoy the Ryusendo New Cave Science Museum, which offers a common ticket for entry. This museum utilizes natural caves, featuring 200 meters of limestone caves open to the public. Here, various formations of stalactites, cultivated over ancient geological layers, can be seen, and remains dating back to the early Jomon period have also been discovered. The Ryusendo Cave and its surrounding area are well worth a visit for those wishing to experience the wonders of nature and history.
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Ryusendo Cave
- Location
- 〒027-0501 1-1 Kaminaru, Iwaizumi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
- Access
- From the East Exit Bus Terminal at Morioka Station, take the JR Bus Tohoku "Morioka-Iwaizumi (Ryusendo)" for a ride of 2 hours and 10 minutes (4 round trips per day).
By car, it takes about 110 minutes from Morioka (National Route 455).
By car, it takes about 150 minutes from Hanamaki Airport (National Route 4 and National Route 455).
By car, it takes about 120 minutes from Hachinohe (National Route 45 and Shimohay Green Road). - Parking
- Available (Free)
- Business Hours
- October to April: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry time)
May to September: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry time) - Regular Holiday
- Open year-round.
- Fees
- Admission for adults and high school students: 1,100 yen
Admission for elementary and junior high school students: 550 yen - Contact Information
- Phone Number：0194－22－2566
- Official Website
