Yūgen-dō, Limestone cave in Higashiyama-tyo, Japan
Yūgen-dō is a limestone cave in Higashiyama-tyo with passages that wind through ancient rock formations. The cave maintains cool temperatures year-round and displays layers of sediment from a distant geological period.
The cave came to light during quarry operations in the 1980s and contains rock layers from hundreds of millions of years ago. These ancient deposits show that the region was once covered by seas.
The entrance features an exhibition hall where visitors learn about geological processes and examine local fossil specimens found within the cave system.
Access is straightforward with well-marked paths and relatively level walking. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the ground can be wet and slippery.
Inside sits an underground lake with greenish water that refracts light in unexpected ways. The walls are scattered with remains of sea creatures that were preserved as stone over millions of years.
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