Abukuma Cave あぶくま洞
Go on an adventure in the depths of the Earth
Visiting a cave may seem like an unlikely activity in Japan: however, caving enthusiasts or the currious will be delighted to discover that the country is home to many interesting caves. Dare to take the plunge and discover the Abukuma cave, north of Tokyo?
Visit Abukuma Cave
The curious on a trip to Fukushima prefecture can try a rather original visit: that of a cave. Abukuma-do (in Japanese, do 洞 means "cave"), located northeast of the city of Tamura, was discovered on August 15, 1969, and opened to the public in 1973.
The places were then designated Natural Heritage. These limestone caves extend for more than 3 kilometers underground and were formed 80 million years ago by underground torrents.
The visitable part of the cave extends along a path of 600 meters, fitted out thanks to platforms and a certain number of stairs. In the depths of the cave, you will be marked by the freshness: it is always 15°C there (don't forget to take a sweater! ), and the humidity level is above 90%. It will take you about an hour to complete the basic route. The most passionate can take a parallel tunnel 120 meters long, narrower and more difficult to navigate, and therefore rather reserved for regular caving.
- Read also: Mount Zao, the volcano near Sendai
What to see in the Abukuma cave?
The specific rock formations of the cave are all entitled to their nickname!
Your visit will begin with the "Ghost Tower", a set of stalactites where faces appear to form, then with the "White Porcelain Waterfall".
Further on, visitors will be able to admire the transparency of the stalactites, nicknamed the "Crystal Curtain". The "Dragon Palace" is a huge hall 13 meters high.
The highlight of the show is undoubtedly the giant stalagmite 2 meters high, nicknamed the "Christmas tree".
One of the specificities of the cave is the presence of a boxwork, a raised calcite stringer, which takes the shape of the honeycombs of a beehive. All these rock formations are highlighted by colored light spots that give a special atmosphere to the place.
- Read also: The Ryûsendô cave (Iwate)
The "Dragon's Palace"
Wikimedia Commons
The "Boxwork" of the cave
Wikimedia Commons
How to get to Abukuma Cave?
Abukuma Cave is located halfway between the cities of Iwaki and Koriyama. JR Kanmata Station is the closest, on the East Banetsu Line. The train ride from Iwaki will take 50 minutes for 970 yen, and 45 minutes from Koriyama for 760 yen. Once at the station, you can take a taxi for a 20 min ride, which will cost around 1600 yen.
You can also rent a car with Japan Experience (for example from Iwaki, or even from Tokyo), which is often more convenient.
Address, timetable & access
Address
Phone
+81 (0)247-78-2125Price
Adult (over 16 years old): 1200 yen Child (13 to 15 years old): 800 yen Child (7 to 12 years old): 600 yenAccess
From March 14 to June 20: 8:30 am to 5 pm. From June 21 to September 30: from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. From October 1 to November 20: from 8:30 am to 5 pm. From November 21 to March 13: from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.Website
https://abukumado.com/en/
