What is Akiyoshido?
Akiyoshido (Akiyoshi Cave) is one of Japan’s largest limestone caves, located in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is a natural wonder extending beneath the Akiyoshidai plateau.
The total length exceeds about 10 km, and roughly 1 km of the cave has been developed for sightseeing, where you can enjoy a wide variety of limestone formations and vast underground spaces.
It is designated a Special Natural Monument of Japan, and the cave maintains a comfortable temperature of about 17°C (63°F) year-round, making exploration pleasant in any season.
With its grand scale and natural beauty, Akiyoshido is one of Japan’s representative tourist attractions.
Highlights of Akiyoshido
1. An overwhelming underground space
Stepping into the entrance of Akiyoshido, you are greeted by a huge underground hall.
Visitors are often awed by its scale and beauty.
The cave contains distinctive formations such as the "Hyakumai-zara" (Hundred Plates) and the "Golden Pillar," allowing you to appreciate nature’s art up close.
2. The mysterious sight of the “Hyakumai-zara”
The cave’s famous "Hyakumai-zara" are terrace-like limestone formations created by water flowing through the cave.
When water pools on them, they gain a unique sheen and create a fantastical landscape.
This is a rare phenomenon even on a global scale and is one of Akiyoshido’s highlights.
3. The 15 m-tall “Golden Pillar”
The 15-meter-tall "Golden Pillar" rising inside the cave is a natural sculpture formed by mineral deposits over thousands of years.
Its majesty and distinctive glow are well worth seeing.
4. A comfortable cave environment year-round
The interior of Akiyoshido stays around 17°C throughout the year, making it cool in summer and relatively warm in winter.
No matter the season, you can explore the cave comfortably.
5. A mystical atmosphere created by lighting
The cave is lit with carefully placed lighting that highlights the beauty of the formations and underground spaces.
Reflections on the water’s surface, in particular, create an almost dreamlike sensation as if you’ve wandered into a fantastic world.
How to get there
By car
- About 40 minutes from Yamaguchi City
- About 5 minutes by car from Akiyoshidai IC on the Ogori–Hagi Road.
- Paid parking is available around Akiyoshido.
- About 2 hours from Fukuoka City
- Use the Kyushu Expressway and Chugoku Expressway toward Mine.
By public transport
- From Shin-Yamaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line
- Take a bus bound for Akiyoshido — about 45 minutes.
- It’s a few minutes’ walk from the bus stop to the cave entrance.
How to enjoy Akiyoshido
1. Carefully observe the limestone formations
Take time to observe the cave’s distinctive formations such as the Hyakumai-zara and the Golden Pillar.
Information boards are set up near many formations so you can learn about their formation and characteristics.
2. Enjoy photographing the cave
The well-balanced lighting enhances the cave’s beauty.
It’s an excellent environment for photography, so don’t forget your camera.
3. Experience the clarity of the groundwater
The groundwater flowing through Akiyoshido is remarkably clear, allowing you to feel nature’s purifying power.
Observing the reflections of formations and light on the water’s surface is one of the pleasures of visiting.
4. Learn more with guided tours
Guided tours of Akiyoshido are available.
Exploring the cave while listening to expert explanations will give you a deeper understanding.
Useful information for travelers
- Opening hours
- 8:30–17:30 (may vary by season).
- Admission fees
- Adults & high school students ¥1,600 / Junior high students ¥1,300 / Elementary school students ¥850 (as of 2025).
- Recommended clothing
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket.
- The cave is cool, so even in summer a light layer is recommended.
- Important notes
- Some areas inside the cave can be slippery, so please watch your step.
- Bringing food and drink into the cave is prohibited.
Conclusion
Akiyoshido is one of Japan’s largest limestone caves, formed by nature over long periods. Its beauty and mysterious atmosphere captivate visitors.
It’s a special place where you can observe vast underground spaces and unique formations up close and reflect on the Earth’s history.
As a highlight of tourism in Yamaguchi Prefecture, be sure to visit Akiyoshido and experience its grand scale for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When is the best time to visit Akiyoshido?
You can enjoy it comfortably year-round, but spring and autumn tend to have fewer tourists, so you can take your time exploring.
Q2. How long does a visit to Akiyoshido take?
Walking the sightseeing area typically takes about one hour.
If you plan to take photos or join a guided tour, allow extra time.
Q3. Is public transportation convenient?
Yes. There are direct buses from Shin-Yamaguchi Station, but services are limited, so please check the timetable.
Be sure to experience the magnificent natural art that the Earth has created at Akiyoshido!
