Gyokusendō, Limestone cave in Okinawa World, Japan
Gyokusendō is a solutional cave in Nanjō that extends deeply underground with about 890 meters of accessible passages. The route moves along raised walkways past numerous limestone formations shaped naturally by underground water flow.
The cave was discovered in the early 1970s during geological surveys and opened to the public shortly after. It quickly became an important site for understanding Okinawa's underground natural features.
The cave attracts visitors who appreciate how nature shaped this limestone landscape over thousands of years. Walking through feels like stepping into a world that exists apart from the busy park above.
The cave is open daily and the walkways are equipped with railings and lighting for safe passage. Visitors should know that it stays cool inside, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
An underground river flows through the cave and continues to shape the rock formations over time. This natural water current is visible throughout the passage and shows how active this underground space remains.
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