Ryusendo Cave

The limestone cavern extends 3,631 meters into the mountain and contains four underground lakes connected by elevated walkways, bridges, and illuminated pathways.

The Japanese government designated Ryusendo as a Natural Monument in 1934, recognizing its geological formations and underground water system as significant national treasures.

The cave provides a habitat for multiple bat species, including greater horseshoe bats, eastern long-fingered bats, and Hilgendorf's tube-nosed bats.

Visitors can access 700 meters of the cave system through guided pathways, with three viewable lakes reaching depths of 35, 38, and 98 meters respectively.

The fourth underground lake measures 120 meters in depth, establishing it as the deepest recorded subterranean lake in Japan.

Location: Iwaizumi

Part of: Top 100 Geological Sites in Japan

Website: http://iwate-ryusendo.jp

GPS coordinates: 39.86053,141.79728

Latest update: May 31, 2025 01:20