The Ryuysendo cave 龍泉洞
The Dragon Spring Cave
In Iwate Prefecture, Iwaizumi, Ryusendo Cave, or "Dragon Spring Cave", is a National Natural Monument whose crystal blue waters are renowned. Beyond the geological wonders, discover the myths of this cave.
Originally a dragon
One day, a strange sound was heard escaping from the bowels of Mount Ureira: "Shuu, Shuu, Shuu…". No one knew what it could be. As the whistles grew louder and louder, the mountain opened, letting a dragon escape. This ryu flew away and immediately disappeared into the sky.
Later, from the hole from which the ryu had come out, pure and clear spring water began to flow. This was delicious and fresh. And everyone was very happy about it. Thus would have been born the Ryusendo cave or cave of the source of the dragon.
In the heart of the earth
Located in Iwaizumi in Sanriku Fukko National Park, Ryûsendô Cave is one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan; alongside Akiyoshido Cave in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Ryugado Cave in Kochi Prefecture.
It has been classified as a National Natural Site since 1938; very shortly after the first explorations carried out in the 1920s. There is only one reason for this: its extraordinary characteristics!
With a depth of 249 meters, it extends over 4088 km long and shelters several underground lakes with translucent waters.
The Ryusendo cave opened to the public in 1967; a date that coincides with the discovery of adjacent caves named Shin Ryuensendo. This part, also open to visitors, also houses the Ryusenshindo scientific museum dedicated to the geological wonders of the place. The cave itself is the main exhibition hall.
Discover this incredible natural site
かがみ～
A maze of rock
Since 1959, various underwater explorations have unearthed several underground lakes in this network at the heart of the earth. If research has counted eight, only three of them are accessible to the public.
The same is true for the rest of the cave. Indeed on the 4 km explored, only 700 meters are visible. Research teams have also estimated that the cave must be over 5000 meters long. A long and narrow maze of rock which, according to legend, was dug by the passage of the dragon!
Today, the only inhabitants of the place are much smaller. Five varieties of bats (greater horseshoe bat, red-eared bat, long-toed bat, Hilgendorf's tube-nosed bat, and Microchiroptera) have taken up residence there and are generally suspended above your heads!
Multiple rock concretions dot the entire tour: stalactites, stalagmites, small grainy stones resembling coral, stone pillars as well as rocks similar to a turtle, a dragon, and a heart. The contemplation of this "stone palace" shaped by nature over thousands of years is simply fascinating.
Love and freshwater
The main asset of the cave undoubtedly lies in its clear and limpid water. Renowned for its high purity, it comes from a source located 14 km to the north in a forest area.
As it flows from the source to the cave, the water will be filtered naturally. It is indeed the humus of the soils which is responsible for capturing the limestone.
A biological purification that gives this water a mystical reputation. A single sip of water from the Ryusendo cave would make it possible to live three more years! Very good news, especially when you know that it is this same water that flows from the taps in the city of Iwaizumi!
In the cave, this nectar of youth makes the beauty and the mystery of the three deep underground lakes respectively of 35, 38, and 98 meters. This crystal blue water is nicknamed "dragon blue".
The water in underground lakes is extremely transparent
http://www.iwate-ryusendo.jp
But the Ryusendo cave would have another power: that of love! The small Shinto shrine at the entrance to the cave, the Shizugawa Myojin is linked to a love myth. At this place, on the rock wall, there are two caves considered "male" and "female". According to legend, if partners simultaneously throw a pebble into the opposite caves, then they would experience lasting love.
Love and eternal youth, what more do you want?
Address, timetable & access
Address
Phone
+81 194-22-2566Timetable
Take the bus from Morioka station (2h15 journey). Attention, circulation limited to 4 buses per day.Price
Adult: 100 yen Child: 500 yen.Access
Open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.Website
http://www.iwate-ryusendo.jp/en
