Ryugado is one of the Top 3 caves, located in Shikoku Japan. If you like the film “Aliens”, you’re going to totally love this place!
The Ryugado Limestone Cave in Kami City, Kochi, gives you a unique experience of walking 150 million years back in time, to see an amazing cave with underground streams, several waterfalls (one 11m high), and all kinds of growing formations still under construction. It was discovered in 1931, about 4 km in length (1 km open to walk through) and takes about 30 minutes to explore. There is also a 2 hour adventure course through other sections (advanced reservations required). In contrast to the bigger Akiyoshido in Yamaguchi with massive open caverns, as shown on
Ryugado is more narrow (in fact, if you’re obese, claustrophobic or paranoid, maybe you should pass) and you will need to stoop a few times and squeeze through a few narrow places. But what you will see is simply breathtaking. You can also see a few human historical remains that are around 2000 years old.
Ryugado is closest to Tosa-Yamada Station, with infrequent buses going there. It may be better to catch a taxi there, and return by bus to better fit your schedule. Included at the end of your trek are some roosters, including some locally famed long tail roosters.
This being Japan, you will always see a Japanese touch to the place. Japanese guides are always very polite and welcoming. There is a cutesy mascot to welcome you at the entrance. The roosters are sadly locked up in the most cramped and confining small containers. And you’ll see a young Japanese mother with her family visiting — always looking sharp — and ready to walk through the cave in high heels.
The Ryugado website is:
Open 8:30-5 (Mar-Nov), -4:30 (Dec-Feb).
Entrance fee 1100 yen
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AloJapan.com