Experience the fantastic underground world at Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave | A great spot for rainy days
Illuminated in dazzling lights, Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave is the southernmost limestone cave in Japan. Beyond its mesmerizing natural beauty as a limestone cave, it also features a hands-on craft workshop perfect for families with children and a dining area serving dishes made with local Ishigaki Island ingredients. Here’s a guide to Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave, a must-visit spot for sightseeing in Ishigaki Island.
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Experience the fantastic underground world at Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave | A great spot for rainy days
Ishigaki Island limestone cave
Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave opened on November 22, 1994. This limestone cave, formed from coral reefs, extends approximately 3,200 meters in total, though only about 600 meters are open to the public. It is the seventh-largest limestone cave in Japan and the southernmost one in the country.
Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave is also said to be the fastest-growing limestone cave in Japan. Typically, limestone formations in caves grow at a rate of about 1 mm every 10 to 30 years—a process that takes an unimaginably long time.
However, the limestone formations in Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave are believed to grow at an astonishing rate of 1 mm every three years. While it’s difficult to witness this growth within a human lifetime, taking a moment to appreciate the vastness of nature can be a meaningful experience.
Highlights of Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave
The biggest highlight of Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave is undoubtedly the illumination display. It is said to be the world’s first limestone cave to feature an illuminated light installation.
The cave’s limestone formations are known for their exceptional luster, and when combined with the illumination, they create a breathtakingly mystical atmosphere. The illuminated sections of the cave are highly photogenic, making them a perfect spot for photography. The "Fairyland Plaza" is considered the most beautiful illuminated area and is especially recommended.
In addition to the illumination, there are many other fascinating sights to enjoy, such as the sake brewery where awamori is aged, the "Forest of Divine Sculptures", which features limestone formations in various unique shapes, the "Totoro Limestone Formation", a rock that resembles the famous Totoro character, the "Suikinkutsu", where the sound of dripping water creates a soothing melody, the "Lake of Longevity", a mystical greenish-colored pond, and fossils of corals and giant clams. With so many incredible sights to explore, there is no shortage of fascinating discoveries waiting for you!
Coconut crabs and giant tree nymph butterflies
Near the cave entrance, you’ll be greeted by giant coconut crabs. Despite their name, coconut crabs are not actually crabs but are classified as land hermit crabs. Their claws are extremely powerful, so be careful not to extend your fingers toward them.
You’ll also find a mini-house for Giant Tree Nymph Butterflies, one of the largest butterflies in Japan. These butterflies are unbelievably large compared to ordinary butterflies, making them a unique attraction worth observing while you’re here.
Tropical fruit trees and subtropical botanical garden
Although primarily a limestone cave, the area also features a tropical fruit orchard and a subtropical botanical garden, offering a truly Okinawan experience. You can see various tropical fruits such as mangoes, dragon fruit, pineapples, papayas, and bananas, as well as vibrant red hibiscus flowers, which are symbolic of Okinawa. Since different fruits ripen at different times, you can enjoy fresh, in-season tropical fruits from June to November.
Ishigaki island restaurant
At Ishigaki Island Dining, you can savor dishes made with local Ishigaki Island ingredients. The menu includes goya set meals, Ishigaki-style beef soup set meals, and Yaeyama soba set meals. These are must-try dishes when visiting Ishigaki Island. Takeout bento boxes are also available, so you can enjoy a meal on the go.
Inside the restaurant, you’ll find local souvenirs and specialty products for sale, including Chinsuko (Okinawan cookies), mango-based sweets, Soki soba, the cave’s original sake, and Blue Seal ice cream. You can also find habu sake, a traditional Okinawan liquor made with pit vipers, which has long been considered a folk remedy. Be sure to check it out as a unique souvenir!
Handmade craft experience
At Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave, you can also participate in craft workshops. These workshops are not only great for making memorable souvenirs but are also popular for summer vacation projects. Reservations are required at least one day in advance, and anyone aged 4 and above can join.
① Shisa Painting Experience
Paint a Shisa (Okinawan guardian lion-dog figurine) with your favorite colors to create your own unique Shisa.
It also makes for a great souvenir.
The fee is ¥1,100, and the experience takes approximately 30 minutes.
② Dreamcatcher Strap-Making Experience
Create your own handmade lucky charm dreamcatcher.
It might be even more effective than buying a ready-made one?
The fee is also ¥1,100, and the experience takes approximately 30 minutes.
Access and parking
■ Access
By car: About 8 minutes from Ishigaki City and 30 minutes from Ishigaki Airport
By bus: Take the "West Route," "Yoshihara Route," or "West Ihara Route" from the bus terminal. Ride for about 15 minutes and get off at "Yaeyama Nature Village Entrance," then walk for 3 minutes.
Parking: 35 spaces (free of charge)
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