Ryusendo Cave

Ryusendo Cave (龍泉洞), located in Iwaizumi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, is a limestone cave renowned as one of Japan’s three largest and most beautiful limestone caves, alongside Anjia Cave (Iwate Prefecture) and Akiyoshido Cave (Yamaguchi Prefecture). The cave is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters and stunning rock formations.

The total length of the cave is approximately 4.5 kilometers, but only about 700 meters are open to the public. Visitors can explore various chambers and tunnels within the cave, including the Crystal Palace, a chamber adorned with countless stalactites and stalagmites that create a dazzling visual effect.

One of the unique features of Ryusendo Cave is its underground river, which flows through the cave and creates a series of cascading waterfalls. The cave also boasts eight underground lakes, three of which are open to the public. These lakes are known for their exceptional clarity and captivating blue-green hues. Additionally, the cave serves as a habitat for approximately 30,000 bats, designated as a national natural treasure.

The cave is open to visitors year-round, although operating hours may vary depending on the season. Guided tours are available in Japanese, and visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, as the temperature inside the cave remains a constant 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit).

Getting there

By Bus from Morioka

• Take the JR Tohoku Bus from Morioka Station (East Exit, Bus Stop 1)
• Get off at the last stop, Ryusendo-Mae
• Journey time: About 135 minutes
• Cost: 2,710 yen one-way (1,355 yen for children)
• Four daily round-trip services
• Covered by Japan Rail Pass and JR East Tohoku Area Pass

By Train and Bus from Miyako

1. Take the Sanriku Railway to Iwaizumiomoto Station (35 minutes, 780 yen)
2. Transfer to a non-JR bus to Ryusendo Cave (25 minutes, 620 yen)
3. Four buses operate daily
4. Not covered by JR passes

Details

Hours	8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission	Adults: 1,100 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 550 yen
Phone	+81 194-22-2566
Address	1-1 Kannari, Iwaizumi, Iwaizumi-cho, Shimohei-gun, Iwate 027-0501, Japan