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Fukushima Prefecture is home to a nationally famous Abukuma Cave. This time, we will introduce Irimizu Cave, another cave that, together with Abukuma Cave, forms part of the Abukuma Cave System
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 decorated with electric lights and has been designed to be easy to walk through, making it very tourist-friendly
Entrance to Irimizu Cave
On the other hand, Irimizu Cave is in its natural state . There are no fancy electric lights or anything like that, just a single, faintly glowing rope like you'd find at a construction site.
If you don't bring any light, it will be pitch black. The ground is rough, the water is up to your knees, and water drips from above. Once you step in, your whole body will be soaked.
Irimizu Cave offers an adventure that is truly like conquering a dungeon, with a high level of awareness
Preparations required for entering the cave
As mentioned above, you will get wet when you enter the cave. Therefore, you need to wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet. Of course, you should also bring a change of clothes
Because it is a limestone cave, it is generally wet and slippery everywhere, so you need to wear shoes that are ok to get wet and have smooth soles that won't slip
The cave is extremely low overhead, and there are points where even children have to crawl on all fours. It's pitch black without any light, so a headlamp is a great help.
It's reassuring to have these preparations, but even if you go empty-handed, you can rent sandals to use as shoes and candles to use as lights at the reception desk.
Three courses of Irimizu Cave
There are three courses available at Irimizu Cave. Although the courses are divided, they do not necessarily follow different routes
Those on Course A will go to the entrance to Course B
Those on Course B must make a U-turn at the entrance to Course C.
Course C , Courses A and B , then enter Course C, go all the way to the end, and then return.
In other words , the courses are divided based on how far you want to go
Course A
Course A (550 yen for adults, 450 yen for elementary and junior high school students) is easy to go. You won't get too wet, and it's not too dark. The path is relatively wide, and there are only a few welcome rugged slopes to descend
You can easily go there without all the preparations mentioned above. The ground is paved with rubber sheets and iron plates, so it's easy to walk on
Course B
From Course B (700 yen for adults, 500 yen for elementary and junior high school students), the adventure begins. The temperature inside the cave is a chilly 14 degrees all year round, and the water is piercingly cold, reaching up to your calves (or knees on some days)
If you choose Course B or above, you will receive various warnings at the reception. This the coldness of the water . It's more of an advice than a warning: "It's cold at first, but you'll get used to it after a while."
It's true that at first it's so cold that it makes your head numb. Women and children may scream and cry. But eventually, you start to lose sense of numbness, and it becomes clear that your head is really numb
Many people are discouraged by the initial coldness and darkness inside the cave and turn back, but once you get over that, you will gradually get used to it
Candles double the thrill
Light is a necessity from Course B onwards. If you are not prepared, you will have to rely on the candles provided at the reception. However, since they are candles, there is a risk that they may go out if water drips on them from above
If it disappears, you will suddenly find yourself in complete darkness and may panic because you will not know which way to go. Furthermore, since it is a one-way road, there will of course be people going there and coming back
The road is extremely narrow, so when passing someone, you worry about getting the candle on their clothes. If the other person is holding a candle, you get nervous too
Candles create a great atmosphere, but they do come with the risks mentioned above. If you're going for the first time or don't mind a less adventurous trip, we recommend bringing a headlamp or a clip light (sold at 100 yen shops) that will allow you to keep your arms and legs free
Insects and bats bring different fears
Inside the cave, you can find disgusting insects with lots of legs, such as millipedes, crab bugs, cockroaches, and springtails. Bats also live here
If you are intolerant of insects or bats, you should be prepared not to panic if you see one or one flies towards you
Course C
From Course C (adults: 4,600 yen for up to 5 people), a guide will be provided. This is because the roads are darker and narrower, and tourists may feel uneasy walking alone. The guides will be local high school students
Upon completion, a "Course C Completion Certificate" and a hot spring ticket. There is a hot spring nearby, so you can soothe your frozen body in the cold water.
What course do you recommend?
Course A is not particularly thrilling and is more of a tourist cave, not much different from Abukuma Cave. If you want to fully enjoy the charm of Irimizu Cave, then Course B or higher is the way to go
If you have small children, it is safer to choose Course B. Course C takes about 90 minutes to be served
If you are confident in your physical strength and determination, try Course C. However, because a guide is provided, you may not be able to choose this option in some cases
It's best to make a reservation in advance
Summary of Irimizu Cave
This time we have introduced the Irimizu Cave, a thrilling cave that is different from ordinary tourist caves
The cave is not just cold, dark and scary, but also many other sights to see, such as Fudo Falls which was selected as of the 30 Sounds of Utsukushimathe Pumpkin Rock"Womb Passage" points where you have to crawl on all fours to get through
This is a spot where you can experience the thrill of an adventure packed with fear and fun. Many men hit their heads, so be sure to wear a hat and muster up your courage to take part
Irimizu Cave <Information>
Name: Irimizu Cave
Address: 89-3 Sugaya Dairoku, Takine-cho, Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture, 963-3601
I'm a member of the Neft editorial team. I love alcohol, music, and traveling, so I indulge in some drinks after work on weekdays, and on weekends, if I have free time, I travel to nearby areas. I work hard every day with the goal of eventually traveling overseas to find connections to Tohoku through NEFT reporting.
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