[Japan's Largest Limestone Cave] Akiyoshido Cave

Akiyoshido Cave is one of the largest limestone caves in Japan, located in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and is designated as a special natural monument by the government. The total length of the cave is about 11.2 km, and about 1 km of it is open to the public as a tourist course. The temperature inside the cave is kept constant at about 17°C throughout the year, so it's comfortable to have a haori jacket in the summer. 💡 There are three entrances, but the most recommended is the front entrance where the municipal parking lot No. 1 is located. The scenery just before entering the cave is very beautiful. The municipal parking lot costs 500 yen, but there are private parking lots nearby that cost 100 to 200 yen, so you can save money◎ It is a famous tourist spot and is overflowing with tourists around noon, so it is recommended to visit early in the morning. On weekends, there are also circular tourist buses, so it may be a good idea to take the bus to visit the nearby tourist spots. ⸻ 🕒 Opening hours • Normal season (March to November): 8:30 to 17:30 (cave closed at 18:30) • Low season (December to February): 8:30 to 16:30 (cave closed at 17:30) • Entry from the Kurodani entrance and elevator entrance is until 16:30  ⸻ 💴 Entrance fee • Adults (high school students and above): 1,300 yen • Junior high school students: 1,050 yen • Elementary school students: 700 yen  ⸻ 📍 Access • Address: 3449-1 Akiyoshi, Akiyoshi-cho, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, 754-0511 • Public transport: Take a bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station for about 40 minutes, get off at "Akiyoshi-do", then walk for about 10 minutes • Car: Take the Chugoku Expressway "Mine Higashi JCT" and then take the Ogori Hagi Road "Akiyoshidai IC" for about 5 minutes by car   ⸻ 🚗 Parking Information • Municipal Parking Lot No. 1 (200 cars) and Parking Lot No. 2 (300 cars): 500 yen per visit for regular cars, free for motorcycles (only Parking Lot No. 1) • Kurodani Entrance Parking Lot (120 regular cars, 10 buses): Free • Elevator Entrance Parking Lot (150 regular cars, 2 buses): Free  ⸻ 🌟 Exploration Course Exploration Course (300 yen): With a flashlight in hand, you can have a thrilling experience of climbing ladders and slipping through stalactites. If you're going to try this, make sure to wear sneakers and pants!