Kameiwa Cave and Nomizo Waterfall | A must-see tourist spot in Chiba with a mysterious and breathtaking view

Kameiwa Cave was created approximately 350 years ago during the Edo period for rice field irrigation. Located within the Shimizu Keiryu Plaza in Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture, this cave was named after a rock inside that resembles a turtle. Since ancient times, turtles have been considered lucky animals. This turtle-shaped rock has been given names such as "Piggyback Turtle," "Mother Turtle," and "Golden Turtle," and it can be seen during normal water levels.

With seasonal attractions such as fireflies, autumn leaves, and waterfalls, Kameiwa Cave & Nomizo Waterfall attracts not only visitors from all over Japan but also many international tourists daily. We will introduce you to the various ways to enjoy this spectacular site.

What is the difference between "Nomizo Waterfall" and "Kameiwa Cave"?

Many people might be familiar with "Kameiwa Cave" under the name "Nomizo Waterfall." Officially, "Nomizo Waterfall" refers to the waterfall inside Kameiwa Cave. The name became popular on social media because the scenery resembles a world from a Studio Ghibli movie, leading more and more people to call "Kameiwa Cave" by the name "Nomizo Waterfall."

On the website of Kimitsu City, the waterfall flowing inside the cave is referred to as "Nomizo Waterfall / Kameiwa Cave."

Best time for photography

Kameiwa Cave is famous for how sunlight reflects on the water’s surface, creating a heart shape. Many visitors come to capture this magical sight in photographs. However, this view is not visible every day.

The timing and season are crucial. It is said that the heart-shaped light appears around 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM near the spring equinox in March and the autumn equinox in September. Since it depends on the sunrise, it can only be seen on clear days. In particular, September is also the start of the autumn foliage season, so weekends can get very crowded from early in the morning.

The scene of the morning sun shining through is truly breathtaking and something you must see at least once. Try planning your visit during this period to witness it yourself.

Shimizu Keiryu Plaza

Shimizu Keiryu Plaza has a well-maintained wooden walkway, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll. After visiting Kameiwa Cave, you can return to the parking lot by passing through Shimizu Keiryu Plaza.

Fireflies appear in early summer

The pristine waters of Shimizu Keiryu Plaza are well-known as a place where fireflies can be spotted. There are many types of fireflies, but in Kameiwa Cave, you can find Genji fireflies and Heike fireflies. Genji fireflies can mostly be seen from late May to late June, while Heike fireflies are more commonly observed from mid-June to late August.

It is generally said that fireflies are most active on cloudy days, when there is little wind, and when the air is humid. Planning your visit around these conditions will increase your chances of seeing them.

In the Minamiboso area, fireflies can be seen during the summer, but Kameiwa Cave is known for having one of the highest populations of fireflies in Chiba Prefecture. Why not let the warm glow of these fireflies soothe your everyday fatigue?

"Nomizo Waterfall" and the "Bell of Happiness," with a heart-shaped water basin

As mentioned earlier, Nomizo Waterfall is famous for the way the morning sun reflects on the pond, creating a heart shape. It is also known as a place that brings luck in love and romance. Located along a nature-surrounded walkway from the parking area, "The Bell of Happiness" was named with the hope that "the sound of this lucky bell will bring good fortune and longevity from beyond Kameiwa."

It is said that ringing the Bell of Happiness can help fulfill romantic wishes. Additionally, there are heart-shaped ema (wooden plaques) where visitors can write their wishes.

Kameiwa Cave and Shimizu Keiryu Plaza also feature many heart-themed motifs, making them ideal not just for those praying for love but also for couples to visit. Moreover, since turtles are associated with longevity, ringing the Bell of Happiness is believed to bring good health and a long life.

Access to Kameiwa Cave and Nomizo Waterfall

[By Car]

There are three parking areas (Lot 1, Lot 2, and Lot 3), all of which offer free parking. If traveling by car, you can access the site from either the Kimitsu IC on the Tateyama Expressway or the Kisarazu Higashi IC on the Ken-O Expressway. From Kimitsu IC, it is approximately 25 km (about 30 minutes). During peak seasons, such as when the heart-shaped reflection, autumn foliage, or fireflies are visible, the site can get crowded, and temporary parking lots may be set up.

[By Train]

From Tokyo Station, it takes about two and a half hours to reach Kazusa-Kameyama Station.
From there, visitors can take the Kimitsu City demand taxi "Kimipyon-go" for about 500 yen per person, which takes around 15 minutes.

[By Bus]

From Tokyo Station, you can take the "Axie-go" express bus, and from Chiba Station, the "Kabina-go" express bus. Both stop at "Kimitsu Furusato Bussankan." From the bus stop, you can take the Kimitsu City demand taxi "Kimipyon-go" for about five minutes.

◎ Relaxing break at Nomizo Onsen "Senju-no-Yu"

After exploring Kameiwa Cave, why not relax at Nomizo Onsen "Senju-no-Yu," located right next to the parking lot? This natural hot spring features a free-flowing thermal spring at the entrance of Shimizu Keiryu Plaza. The water is a bicarbonate soda spring, which is beneficial for the skin, making it especially recommended for those with skin concerns.

From the onsen, you can enjoy a view of the Sasagawa Gorge. In autumn, the changing leaves are stunning, and at night, the illuminated scenery creates a completely different atmosphere from daytime. While admiring the breathtaking view, you can take a moment to unwind and escape from daily life. The facility also has a relaxation room and a dining area, making it the perfect place to rest after your journey.

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Kameiwa Cave and Nomizo Waterfall | A must-see tourist spot in Chiba with a mysterious and breathtaking view