Kyushu’s Longest Limestone Cave! A Visitor’s Guide to Kyusendo, a Must-See Attraction Along the Kuma River

Kyusendo is a breathtaking limestone cave located in Kuma Village, in the southern region of Kumamoto Prefecture. While Kumamoto is widely known for its magnificent castles and relaxing hot springs, its natural wonders are equally impressive. Kyusendo, a masterpiece of nature, offers an immersive experience that captivates the senses, attracting many visitors who return time and again. Loved by both kids and adults, it has also become a popular dating spot for couples in recent years. The nearby Kuma River plays a crucial role in shaping this stunning underground world, enhancing its natural beauty. Let’s explore the enchanting charm of Kyusendo!

What is Kyusendo Cave?

Kyusendo Cave, one of Japan’s top nine limestone caves, was discovered in 1973. It is the sixth longest in the country and the longest in Kyushu, stretching 4.8 km. This limestone cave was originally formed around 300 million years ago when limestone deposits from the seafloor were uplifted. Even today, the cave continues to evolve due to the erosion caused by the nearby Kuma River.

Each limestone cave has unique characteristics, shaped by the degree of limestone weathering and the amount of acidic water seeping through the ground. Kyusendo Cave is home to a unique ecosystem, including bats, and features stunning natural formations sculpted over millions of years. This makes it a must-visit attraction for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can explore a standard walking course of about 500 meters or take on the adventurous exploration course, which includes descending a 40-meter vertical shaft.

Please note that Kyusendo Cave was temporarily closed for maintenance from January 14 to mid-March 2020, but it opens on select days. Be sure to check the latest schedule before your visit.

Stalactite Curtain

Over thousands of years, water droplets slowly drip from the slanted ceiling of a cave, crystallizing into thin, sheet-like stalactites that resemble a delicate curtain.

As the water falls, some droplets descend straight down, while others trickle at an angle, forming elegant curves that sway like a curtain dancing in the breeze. When illuminated by LED lights inside the cave, this mesmerizing formation takes on a translucent glow, often compared to the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights. The breathtaking sight of this stalactite curtain is truly a natural wonder that captivates every visitor.

Homarte-Type Stalagmite

The Homarte-type stalagmite is a unique cave formation that resembles an upturned cup. One of its distinguishing features is the small pool of water that collects at the top, creating a miniature natural reservoir. Like all stalagmites, it forms as water drips from the cave ceiling, but when the water flow is more abundant, it takes on this distinct Homarte shape.

The formation process is incredibly slow—stalagmites grow at a rate of just 1 cm every 200 to 500 years, making these structures a testament to the passage of time. Inside the cave, you can find numerous Homarte-type stalagmites, their rounded and charming shapes adding to the cave’s enchanting beauty.

Rimstone Pools

When water slowly flows across sloped cave floors, it forms a series of small pools, much like terraced rice fields on a mountainside. The natural ridges that create these pools are known as rimstone, or "azeishi" (畔石) in Japanese.

These ridges form as calcium carbonate crystals build up around the pools, gradually increasing in height over time. The cave features an awe-inspiring display of large-scale rimstone formations, making it a must-see for those fascinated by underground wonders.

Exploration Course at Niyu Iwa Gorge

When you hear “exploration course,” you might think it requires special gear and advanced skills. However, the Niyu Iwa Gorge Exploration Course is designed for visitors, making it a fun and accessible adventure—even for children. The course is well-maintained, but it does include steep staircases, so elementary school-aged children must be accompanied by an adult. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that can get a little dirty for a better experience.

The Exploration Course requires an additional fee of 800 yen on top of the standard cave entrance ticket. This extra fee covers essential safety equipment, including a helmet, headlamp, and rubber boots, which can be rented at the reception. A professional guide is also included, ensuring an exciting and immersive experience.

The exploration tour lasts about 50 minutes and involves navigating through slippery areas near waterfalls and streams. Visitors must follow all safety instructions and be extra cautious while walking. Certain areas are restricted, and access is not allowed.

Due to its popularity, the course can get crowded during peak seasons such as summer vacation and Golden Week, meaning participants often enter in groups. Solo entry is not allowed, but on the return route, visitors can walk at their own pace, allowing them to revisit fascinating limestone formations and take memorable photos.

Note: The prices mentioned are as of February 14, 2020.

Kyusendo Spiral: A Unique Shochu Aging Experience in Kyūsendō Cave

Inside Kyūsendō Cave, a special storage area allows visitors to preserve and age authentic Satsuma shochu made from locally sourced rice. Anyone can purchase Satsuma shochu and store it in the cave to enhance its depth of flavor through natural aging. With a stable year-round temperature of 16°C, the cave provides the ideal environment for maintaining the quality of your precious bottle, ensuring a smoother and more refined taste over time.

Once the aging period is complete, the shochu is carefully packaged in a cedar box made from high-quality Kuma Village wood and shipped to you. Additionally, if the box size permits, you can also include personal letters or photographs, making it a meaningful gift or keepsake.

Shochu can be stored for as short as three years or up to an impressive 20 years, making it a perfect way to commemorate a child’s birth, a grandchild’s milestone, or a special occasion. Storage fees range from ¥10,000 for three years to ¥27,000 for 20 years (pricing as of February 14, 2020). Why not invest in a bottle today and create a lasting memory for the future?

◎ Designated as a “Lover’s Sanctuary” in 2018!

The “Lover’s Sanctuary” is a project initiated by the NPO Regional Revitalization Support Center to promote the charm of various regions across Japan. As the name suggests, this initiative selects the most romantic locations nationwide that are ideal for marriage proposals.

This site is the third location in Kumamoto Prefecture to receive this special designation. Couples visiting the area can immerse themselves in the mystical beauty of nature and its breathtaking rock formations. Along the exploration course, you may come across a heart-shaped stone by the riverside, which is believed to bring good luck in love. Searching for it together can be a fun and memorable experience!

Additionally, special events and activities related to the "Lover's Sanctuary" are occasionally held. If you plan to visit Kyusen Cave, be sure to check for any ongoing romantic events to enhance your experience.

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Kyushu’s Longest Limestone Cave! A Visitor’s Guide to Kyusendo, a Must-See Attraction Along the Kuma River