[Kanto Touring Spot] [Chiba Prefecture] Bike trip to Kameiwa Cave! A solo trip to a place where the light shining from a cave creates a magical feeling
Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, we will introduce a motorcycle touring to “Kameiwa Cave” located in Shimizu Keiryu Square in Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture. Kameiwa Cave has become a hot topic as a fantastic spot where the light coming from the cave reflects on the water surface and forms a heart shape. I set out from central Tokyo on my favorite Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide and arrived there in about two and a half hours. Along the way, I enjoyed a pleasant drive along the Tokyo Bay Aqua Line and Boso Skyline. We will provide detailed information on the highlights of Kameiwa Cave, how to access it, information on motorcycle parking, etc., so please refer to it.
Kameiwa Cave is an artificial cave located in Shimizu Keiryu Square. In order to develop rice fields, the meandering, constricted parts of the river called kawamawashi were changed by creating tunnels and cuts to change the flow. A large rock about 15 meters high is shaped like a tunnel, and below it is a stepped waterfall. Inside the cave there is a rock that resembles a turtle, which is why it is called Kameiwa. Turtles have long been a symbol of longevity and good fortune, and are popular as animals that bring good luck.
The biggest attraction of Kameiwa Cave is the beautiful scenery created by light and water depending on the season and time of day. Especially in March and September, around the time of the equinox, from 6:30 to 7:30 in the early morning, the light coming from the cave reflects on the water surface, forming a horizontal heart shape. This phenomenon depends on the weather and water level, but you’re lucky if a heart-shaped shape appears. Even when there is no light, the contrast between the trees, rock surface, and cave is beautiful, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
Route to Kameiwa Cave
I started from central Tokyo and took the Shuto Expressway Route 9 Fukagawa Line to the Shuto Expressway Wangan Route. The Shuto Expressway Bayshore Route offers a spectacular view of Tokyo Bay, and riding a bike will lift your spirits. I entered Tokyo Bay Aqua Line from Kawasaki Ukishima JCT. The Tokyo Bay Aqua Line consists of an ocean section and an undersea tunnel section, where you can ride while feeling the sea breeze. There is also the thrill of going through the darkness in the undersea tunnel section. I entered the Tateyama Expressway from Kisarazu JCT. The Tateyama Expressway is a road where you can enjoy the nature of the Boso Peninsula, and I got off at Kimitsu IC. From Kimitsu IC, take Prefectural Route 92 and enter Boso Skyline. Boso Skyline is a toll road, but motorbikes can ride it for free. The Boso Skyline is a road that runs through the mountains, with many curves and ups and downs, making it a challenging road to ride a bike on. The entrance to Shimizu Keiryu Hiroba is about 12 kilometers along the Boso Skyline.
From the entrance of Shimizu Keiryu Plaza, walk along the promenade for about 20 minutes to reach Kameiwa Cave. Although the promenade is well-maintained, there are some steps and stairs, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. There is a “lucky bell” along the promenade. This was donated in 2011, and is said to be a wish that it will bring you good luck and good fortune from beyond the turtle-shaped rock (Kameiwa) on the rock surface of the cave. It might be a good idea to ring the bell and make a wish.
When you arrive at Kameiwa Cave, the first thing that catches your eye is a large rock shaped like a tunnel. When you step inside this rock, the water surface sparkles. If you visit at a time when the light is shining, you might find it shaped like a heart. Even if you can’t see the heart shape, you’ll definitely be impressed by the fantastic scenery created by the light and water. Please be careful as the humidity inside the cave is high and the footing can be slippery.
When you come out of the cave, you will see a stepped waterfall. Although the waterfall is small, the sight of the clear stream flowing down is refreshing and soothing. There are also benches and tables near the waterfall, so you can take a break. If you go a little upstream from the waterfall, you will find a rock that resembles a turtle called Kameiwa. This rock looks like it’s sticking out of the water. Kameiwa has long been considered a symbol of longevity and good fortune, so if you find one, be sure to take a photo of it.
There are parking lots number 1 to 3 at Shimizu Keiryu Square. The first parking lot can accommodate 26 regular cars and 2 for the disabled, the second parking lot can accommodate 20 regular cars, and the third parking lot can accommodate 80 regular cars. Everything is free.
Summary
Kameiwa Cave is an artificial cave located within Shimizu Keiryu Square in Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture. It has become a hot topic as a fantastic spot where the light coming from the cave reflects on the water surface and forms a heart shape. I set out from central Tokyo on my favorite Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide and arrived there in about two and a half hours. Along the way, I enjoyed a pleasant drive along the Tokyo Bay Aqua Line and Boso Skyline. The highlights of Kameiwa Cave are the beautiful scenery created by light and water, and the rock that resembles a turtle. The angle of light in Kameiwa Cave changes depending on the season and time of day, so you can visit it many times and enjoy different views. Please come and visit us at least once.
The above was sent to you by _hiroyuki.ta. Next time we look forward to!
*Kameiwa Cave is called “Turtle Rock Cave” in English.
[Kanto Touring Spot] [Chiba Prefecture] Bike trip to Kameiwa Cave! A solo trip to a place where the light shining from a cave creates a magical feeling
