Ryugashido, a mysterious great limestone cavern

Ryugashido Cavern, located in the Okuhamana Lake area, is one of the largest limestone caves in the Tokai region, formed in a limestone area that is said to be a stratum of about 250 million years ago. The total length of the cave is about 1000 meters, the first 400 meters are open to the public.

The average annual temperature in the cave is 18 ° C, and it feels cool in the summer and warm in the winter, so you can explore the comfortable underground.

This is a place where you can heal your mind with nature and experience the world that you don't usually see. 

One of the highlights of Ryugashido is Golden Otaki (waterfalls). The fall of the waterfall is about 30m, and Otaki, which flows down vigorously from above the cave, is natural art that can only be seen in Ryugashido. 

Another highlight is Seven lucky Gods of knowledge. A stalactite with a rare appearance like the Seven Lucky Gods on a treasure ship.

At the end of the tunnel, there's a cavern museum. It has explanations on stalactites and their formation, with samples provided. Also, a corner where you can learn about the ecology of bats.

There's a small pond outside the cave called Yokitado, it is for a cold foot bath. The water is limestone cavern water, and it has lots of Calcium ions. You're challenged to dip your feet in the cold water for 5 minutes. I can't barely make it for 1 minute, too cold.

Pets are not allowed roaming in the cave, so if you come here with your pet you can put them in a small pet house.

The admission fee for Ryugashido is 1000yen for adults and 600yen for Elementary and Middle school students. 

In front of the entrance, there's a seller selling a small cutter that he designed himself to cut and peel grapefruit skin, and make arts of it. These are samples of grapefruits skin arts.

There are many cool things to see in Ryugashido cavern. I recommended this place if you're in Hamamatsu.  

One more additional piece of information about Ryugashodo cavern, inside the cave there are plenty of negative ions that is good for your skin. It's like going to a beauty salon, there are 40,000 negative ions / cmᶟ. The cave is a healing space.

Access to Ryugashido by bus: Take the Bus bound for Okuyama at bus stop number 15, then get off at Ryugashido Iriguchi bus stop, then walk 7 minutes. The bus trip takes about 1 hour from Hamamatsu station. 

For more information about the cave, visit inhamamatsu website 

https://www.inhamamatsu.com/activity/ryugashido.php

or Ryugashido official website https://www.doukutu.co.jp/ (Japanese only)