Shoryudo Caves
Discovering the Shoryudo Caves
These limestone caves, discovered in 1963, are the largest of the many caves on Okinoerabu Island and attract caving enthusiasts from around the country. The caves are the second longest in Japan, with extensive caverns that extend over 3.5 kilometers. As the height of the caves ranges from 20 meters to just over 1 meter, visitors must crouch down to clear some parts of the walkways.
Stalactites and Flowstones
The caves contain approximately 300,000 stalactites, making them one of the finest examples of this natural phenomenon in Japan and an important part of Amami Gunto National Park. In addition, Shoryudo is home to Japan’s largest flowstone, a rock-like formation created by the deposit of layers of minerals by flowing water. The limestone in the caves is largely free from discoloration and sparkles bright white when reflecting light. Along certain sections of the walkways, colorful lights create shifting vistas inside the caverns.
An Evolving Environment
Shoryudo’s distinctive formations continue to slowly shift and grow, as water carrying limestone and other minerals still flows throughout most of the caverns. The stalactites grow approximately 0.3 millimeters in length per year. Please refrain from touching the formations, as this can damage and discolor the limestone.
Admission Times and Cost
The caves are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last entry at 4:30 pm. Admission is ¥1,100 for adults, ¥550 for schoolchildren aged 6 to 18, and ¥220 for children aged 4 and 5.