[Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture] Abukuma Cave is one of Japan's most famous limestone caves! Experience the natural beauty created by 80 million years of time!

Abukuma Caveis a limestone cave located in Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture, and is said to be the best limestone cave in East Asia in terms of the variety and number of stalactites. The natural artistry created by nature over an enormous period of 80 million years is well worth seeing.

The origins of Abukuma Cave

Abukuma Cave is located within the Abukuma Highlands Central Prefectural Natural Park and, along with Irizumi Limestone Cave , is known as the "Abukuma Cave System," a group of caves formed by water flowing from the south of Mt. Otakine, located to the east

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

[Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture] Irimizu Cave is a dungeon you have to crawl through on all fours! It's full of charm that you won't find in Abukuma Cave!

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/4738

Fukushima Prefecture is home to the nationally famous Abukuma Cave. This time, we'll be introducing Irimizu Cave, another cave that, along with Abukuma Cave, forms part of the Abukuma Cave System. https://jp.neft.asia/archives/3788 The Difference Between Irimizu Cave and Abukuma Cave: Like Abukuma Cave, Irimizu Cave is also open to the public as a tourist cave. However, Abukuma Cave is very tourist-friendly, with illuminated lighting and well-maintained pathways for easy walking. The Entrance to Irimizu Cave: On the other hand, Irimizu Cave is in a completely pristine state. Beautiful...

read more

The cave was discovered in 1969 by chance during a limestone dig when a dynamite blast was used

Because it was a quarry called the Busan Quarry, it was apparently called the "Busan Limestone Cave" when it was discovered. The traces of mining are still visible, allowing you to vividly experience the formation of this cave

When Abukuma Cave was first discovered, it was a small cavern consisting of only a 12m deep vertical hole and a 70m long horizontal hole. However, in 1970, the year after its discovery, an expedition from Nihon University explored the cave and discovered the main cave of Abukuma Cave. Continuous investigations have continued since then, and it has been confirmed that the cave has a total length of over 3,000m

The Legend of Otakimaru's Treasure

A legend has long been passed down in this area that when Otakemaru, a powerful local lord, was defeated in battle during Sakanoue no Tamuramaro's eastern expedition to Oshu , he hid his treasures in the "Well of the Abyss" at Oniana

However, it was merely a depression and was only passed down as a legend. Butin 1977, a vertical shaft was discovered that seemed to confirm the legend, and it was found to be connected to the eastern main cave of Abukuma Cave.

Perhaps there are still gold and silver treasures hidden within Abukuma Cave..

There are two courses in Abukuma Cave

The tourist course is about 600 meters long. In addition to the general course (1,200 yen for adults), there is also an exploration course for advanced hikers (300 yen more than the general course price)

General Course

approximately 600 meters long and takes about 40 minutes to complete. The path is paved, making it a great option for those who want a casual and easy visit.

You can see almost all of the sights in Abukuma Cave

Exploration Course

About 200m into the regular trail, the trail splits into two. The right-hand trail is the optional "Exploration Trail," which requires an additional 300 yen admission fee

The exploration course, approximately 120 meters long and taking about 10 minutes to complete. However, it has more adventurous elements than the regular course, as you will have to crouch to get through narrow spaces and cross log ladders and stepping stones, so comfortable clothing and shoes are essential. You will rejoin the regular course at "Takine Goten," one of the highlights of Abukuma Cave.

As soon as you start walking, you will hear the sound of rushing water. The water is low above your head, so you could hit your head if you're not careful. This is one of the thrilling features of the exploration course

If you want to see the "Senshin Pond," which is beautifully translucent when illuminated by light, please select the exploration course.

The temperature inside the cave is maintained at around 15 degrees Celsius throughout the year . In the summer, it's a good idea to bring a light jacket or cardigan. Conversely, it feels warm in the winter

Highlights of Abukuma Cave

Inside the cave, you can see stalactites of various shapes. You can find many distinctive stalactites with names, such as the strangely shaped rock called "Yokai Tower" and "White Porcelain Waterfall ." Stalactites that have not been crystallized for long are especially white, smooth, and beautiful.

You can see many unusual stalactites that seem impossible to have been formed naturally, such as "rimstones" that look like rice paddy dikes due to groundwater accumulating in depressions, and "cave shields," which are rare stalactites with a disc-shaped top

Takine Palace

Takine Palace is a huge hall with a height of 29 meters on the top floor of the area open to the public. It is amazing that this space was created naturally

Looking up at the ceiling, you can feel the immense force of countless stalactites looming over you

The aforementioned general course and exploration course meet here

Moon World

Near the exit to the public area is a plaza called Moon World, where you can see almost all of Abukuma Cave's stalactites in one place

The lighting effects will make you feel like you are on the moon as the day changes from morning to dusk and then to night

summary

Currently, only a small part of the cave is open to the public, but the remaining area of ​​over 2,500m is said to contain many undiscovered stalactites of great academic value

Perhaps Otakimaru's treasure is somewhere around there!

Abukuma Cave <Information>

• Name: Abukuma Cave
• Address: 1 Sugaya Higashikamayama, Takine-cho, Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture, 963-3601
• Phone number: 0247-78-2125
• Official URL:https://abukumado.com/

Google Map

NEFT Editorial Department

This is the NEFT editorial team.
Articles written by our editorial team and articles by anonymous writers are published here.