Akiyoshidō, Limestone cave in Mine, Japan
Akiyoshidō is a sprawling cave system beneath the Akiyoshidai plateau in Mine, where an underground stream flows through chambers lined with stalactites and stalagmites. The main gallery extends for several hundred meters through the limestone, with different formations visible along the walls and ceilings.
The cave system became accessible to the public in the early 20th century after local explorers mapped the passages. The government granted special monument status in 1926 due to its geological importance.
The cave name combines the characters for autumn (aki), fortune (yoshi), and cavern (dō), referring to the sprawling underground system beneath the karst plateau. Japanese school groups regularly visit for geography lessons, as it clearly shows how water shapes limestone over time.
A lit pathway guides visitors through the main sections, with the temperature remaining around 17 degrees Celsius year-round. Sturdy shoes help, as some spots can be slippery due to moisture.
The Hyakumai-zara formation consists of terraced pools created over millennia by mineral-rich water. These natural steps resemble stacked plates and rank among the most photographed spots in the system.
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