Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, we will introduce a tour to Ryugashido Cave, a limestone cave located in Kita Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. I set out from central Tokyo on a Harley Sports Glide (FLSB) and drove about 300km. Ryugaiwa Cave is one of the largest tourist limestone caves in the Tokai region that was formed in the limestone area 250 million years ago, and is a spot where you can experience the mysterious underground world. The climate inside the cave is cool in summer and warm in winter, with an average annual temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. This time, we will tell you in detail what Ryugaiwa Cave is, how to get there, what kind of highlights there are, and where the motorcycle parking lot is.
Ryugaiwa Cave is a limestone cave that was discovered in 1981 by two cave enthusiasts with permission from the landowner, Sadao Toda, and opened to the public in 1983. Of the total length of 1046m, 400m is open to the public, and there are about 50 points of interest. The stalactites, which look like works of art created over time, are beautifully illuminated with colorful lights. The underground waterfall with a drop of 30 meters is especially impressive, and the way the spray of water sparkles in rainbow colors is impressive. Ryugaiwa Cave is located at 193 Tabata, Inasa-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu City.
Route to Ryugaiwa Cave
I rode a motorcycle from central Tokyo to Ryugaiwa Cave. The route is explained below.
From central Tokyo, take the Shuto Expressway and enter the Tomei Expressway.
Drive approximately 250km west on the Tomei Expressway.
Exit at Hamamatsu Nishi Interchange and enter National Route 152.
Drive approximately 20km south on National Route 152.
At Inasamachi Tabata intersection, turn right onto Prefectural Route 52.
Drive approximately 10km west on Prefectural Route 52.
Turn left at the Ryugaiwa Cave entrance intersection and arrive at Ryugaiwa Cave.
This route takes approximately 4 and a half hours. Of course, you also need to consider time for breaks and meals along the way.
Highlights of Ryugaiwa Cave
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When you enter Ryugaiwa Cave, you can first take a tour of the Ryugaiwa Cave Museum located near the entrance. Here, the history and origin of limestone caves, as well as stories about the people who discovered them, are on display. It also introduces basic knowledge and terminology regarding limestone caves. If you are interested in limestone caves, please check it out.
After leaving the cave museum, the exploration of Ryugaiwa Cave finally begins. Ryugaiwa Cave is a one-way tour, and you cannot turn back halfway through. Also, there are dark areas and descending stairs inside the cave, so please be careful where you step. Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited inside the cave. Pets and strollers are not allowed, so you must leave them in advance.
There are about 50 points of interest in Ryugaiwa Cave, but we will introduce some of the most recommended.
Water God Area: This is the area in the center of the cave where you can see many waterways and ponds. A stalactite called the Water God is enshrined there, and the blue light creates a fantastic atmosphere.
Golden Falls: This is a large waterfall that appears when you go down the stairs from the water god area. The impressive waterfall has a drop of 30m and the spray of water is beautiful with its iridescent colors. Coins are thrown into the waterfall basin, but please don’t do this.
Phoenix Room: This is a hall that spreads out as you proceed further from the golden waterfall. Countless stalactites hang from the ceiling, making it look like a chandelier. In the center is a stalactite that resembles a phoenix.
Motorcycle parking lot in Ryugaiwa Cave
There is a free parking lot at Ryugaiwa Cave. There are 25 parking spaces for buses and 500 parking spaces for regular cars. There is no dedicated parking lot for motorcycles, but you can park at the end of the regular car parking lot or in any available space. However, please be careful not to get in the way of other vehicles or pedestrians.
summary
This time, we introduced touring to Ryugaiwa Cave. Ryugaiwa Cave is one of the largest tourist limestone caves in the Tokai region, and is a spot where you can experience the mysterious underground world. The cave is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and is beautifully illuminated with colorful lights. The underground waterfall with a drop of 30 meters is especially impressive, and the way the spray of water sparkles in rainbow colors is impressive. There is a free parking lot at Ryugaiwa Cave, but there is no dedicated parking lot for motorcycles. You can park at the edge of a regular car parking lot or in an empty space, but please be careful not to get in the way of other vehicles or pedestrians.
I drove about 300km from central Tokyo to Ryugaiwa Cave.
I hope this article will be helpful for your touring. Ryugaiwa Cave is located in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Please see the official website for details.
Well then, look forward to next time! It was _hiroyuki.ta.
