🗺️ Thousand Buddha Cave千仏鍾乳洞

"Hiraodai" is one of Japan's three major karst terrains. This karst plateau, approximately 11 kilometers long from north to south and 2 kilometers wide from east to west, with an elevation of 400 to 600 meters, was designated as a national natural monument and protected in Showa 27 (1953). The Senbutsu Cave is located within Hiraodai. It is said that the name of Senbutsu Cave comes from "Senbutsu-in," a branch temple of "Gengō-ji," which was designated as a national natural monument in 1935. Gengō-ji is located in Yukuhashi City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and is traditionally said to have been founded by the monk Gyoki during the Nara period. The cave has a total length of 1,200 meters and is the largest limestone cave in Hiraodai. This limestone cave was formed over many years through the unique underground water erosion in the limestone area. Visitors can explore up to 900 meters deep from the entrance. Up to 480 meters from the entrance, it is possible to walk in regular shoes, but to enter deeper into the area known as "Oku no Hosomichi," visitors need to wade through water. It is recommended to change into straw sandals (available for free rental) at the entrance before continuing the exploration. You will surely be amazed by the natural beauty nurtured over long ages. The temperature inside the cave is around 16 degrees Celsius year-round, providing a cool and refreshing experience in the summer. The round trip from the entrance to the 900-meter mark open for public viewing takes about 40 minutes, allowing visitors to experience a sense of adventure.

The 1,200-meter-long stalactite cave is a nationally designated natural monument. It is the largest stalactite cave within Hiraodai, one of Japan's three major karst terrains. The area from the entrance to 900 meters deep is open for visits. Starting from the 480-meter mark, known as "Oku no Hosomichi," visitors must wade through water. The round trip from the entrance to the 900-meter point takes about 40 minutes.