Senbutsu Limestone Cave (Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture) is one of Japan’s natural limestone caves and has been designated a national natural monument.
The cave, which took tens of millions of years to build, is a mystery itself.
You will be overwhelmed by the stalactites hanging down from the ceiling and the glistening water surface under the light.
It’s a hidden vortex that you must visit at least once!
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Natural wonders created over tens of millions of years
Senbutsu Limestone Cave were designated as a national natural monument in 1935.
These caves were formed over tens of millions of years by the dissolution of limestone rock due to the action of rain and groundwater.
Inside the cave, you can see the beautiful artistry of nature, including mysteriously shaped stalactites and an emerald river.
The cave is more than 1,200 meters long and stretches for over a kilometer, so each spot is completely different!
It shows its each face in each place and is full of highlights.
Perfect for summer! It’s cool in the cave
The temperature in this limestone cave is 16 degrees Celsius all year round, both in winter and summer!
It’s amazing that it’s this temperature all year long.
The recommended season is still summer.
Once you enter the cave, you will feel as cool as if you are in an air-conditioned room.
And the water is very cold, 14 degrees Celsius, so you can cool down at once.
It’s like an expedition! Always wear short pants.
There are knee deep water points in the cave and narrow places where you have to crawl to get through.
There are also points where you have to shine a light above your head to get through in the dark.
You’ll feel like an explorer.
Short pants are recommended for this reason.
If you don’t have any, wear pants that can be turned up to your knees!
You can borrow Crocs, so you can ware any kind of shoes to go.
How do I get to the Senbutsu Limestone Cave?
Train + Taxi
We recommend taking a combination of train and taxi from JR Kokura Station to Ishiharamachi Station in 28 minutes (380 yen), and from there it’s only a 20-minute taxi ride away.
Car rental
It takes about 20 minutes from Kokura Minami IC.
There are many signs on the way, so you won’t get lost.
One of the advantages of driving is that on the way to the cave, you will pass through the vast karst plateau “Hiraodai” and get off the car.
Of course, if you take a taxi, you will also pass Hirao-dai, so you will have a great view from the window.
Summary
Senbutsu Limestone Cave cave is a hidden vortex that is well known to those in the know.
It’s also a fun limestone cave that is sure to be enjoyed by adults as well as children all year round, so be sure to visit it when you’re in Fukuoka Prefecture!
