Kyūsendō, Limestone cave in Kuma Village, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
Kyūsendō is a limestone cave system extending deep underground through interconnected passages decorated with mineral formations of various sizes. The site offers two different routes through the cave, allowing visitors to choose based on their comfort level and available time.
The cave formed roughly 300 million years ago when ancient limestone settled into solid layers beneath what was once a vast sea. It remained hidden until explorers discovered the system in 1973 and opened it for public access.
The cave provides shelter to 20,000 greater horseshoe bats, which local residents consider essential for maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding agricultural lands.
The main route passes comfortably through the major passages and takes roughly half an hour, while the adventure course requires special equipment and a guide. Both paths feature wet and slippery sections, so sturdy footwear is necessary.
Streams and dripping water continuously sculpt new mineral forms within the cave while simultaneously dissolving older deposits away. This means the underground landscape slowly shifts and transforms with the passage of time.
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