Worth a Journey

The World’s 100 Best Show Caves

Akiyoshidō

Mine, Japan

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST SHOW CAVES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 99 2026
Akiyoshidō

A limestone cave in Mine, Yamaguchi, with a 1 km public route past the Hundred Plates formation and the Golden Pillar. The route is walked on foot with multilingual audio guides, and an elevator climbs partway through to the Akiyoshidai plateau.

Highlights

  • Golden Pillar
  • Hundred Plates formation
  • Underground lakes

Good to know

  • Round trip takes 1 to 1.5 hours
  • About 17°C inside all year
  • Adventure course costs 300 yen extra, cash only

Also in Japan

  1. Hoshino Cave N° 22 Hoshino Cave Minamidaito Dripstone cave
  2. Ryūsendō N° 91 Ryūsendō Iwaizumi Dripstone cave