Ryusendo Cave is one of the Three Great Limestone Caves in Japan and a national natural monument. The portion of the cave which has been explored stretches over 3,100 meters; if unexplored areas are included, the entire cave is estimated to be over 5,000 meters in length. You can take a tour of the cave, which takes about 30 minutes. In the cave, fresh spring water forms deep underground lakes; the most impressive is the third lake, with a depth of 98 meters and beautiful emerald-green water. Though it is not included in the tour, the fourth lake is the deepest underground lake in Japan ( 120 meters ) and one of the most transparent lakes in the world. You can also see unique formations such as stalactites and stalagmites, as well as rare long-eared bats. In December 2009, underwater exploration beyond the third lake was conducted for the first time in 41 years.
Photos are allowed in the cave. No photos in the Ryusenshindo Science Museum.
VENUE DETAILS
- Address
- 1-1 Aza Kannari, Iwaizumi, Iwaizumi Town
027-0501 岩手県下閉伊郡岩泉町岩泉字神成1番地1 - Hours
- Hours: 8:30-17:00 ( Oct.-Apr. ) 8:30-18:00 ( May-Sept. )
- Regular holidays
- Open every day
- Admission
- General admission: 【Adults and high school students: 1,000 yen, Junior high and elementary school students: 500 yen, Infants: free】; Group tours (15-99 people): 【(per adult): 880 yen, (per high school student): 630 yen, (per junior high and elementary school student): 370 yen】; Group tours (100-199 people): 【(per adult): 810 yen, (per high school student): 560 yen, (per junior high and elementary school student): 310 yen】; Group tours (200 or more people): 【(per adult): 750 yen, (per high school student): 500 yen, (per junior high and elementary school student): 250 yen】
- Access 1
- JR Iwaizumi Line Service temporarily suspended ( substitute bus service available )
- Access 2
- Bus from JR Morioka Station Morioka-Iwaizumi ( Ryusendo ) Line Get on at Morioka Station East Exit Boarding Area 1 Get off at Ryusendo About 2 hr. 12 min. ride Buses from 9:40 to 17:40 4 buses a day 019-624-4474 ( JR Bus Tohoku, Morioka Station JR Bus Ticket Counter )
- Access 3
- Taxi About 2 min. from JR Iwaizumi Station
- Access 4
- Car About 120 min. from Morioka-minami IC
