I think you need half a day to see everything. This time, I visited the First Limestone Cave. There are ups and downs, and the footing may be slippery. Many insects greet you when you go farther in. There is also a bear-deterrent siren.

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September 8, 2024: This was my first visit, while visiting Japan’s northernmost tiny limestone cave, “Nakatombetsu Limestone Cave” (free admission), which I had wanted to see, and its adjoining rest facility (free admission; the bridge just inside had been removed and the boardwalk before the cave had collapsed, but an alternative route is available, so no problem), taking a look at the “Pechan River Gold Panning Experience Site” (closed for this season), and traveling on to “Usotannai Gold Mining Park Gold House”. It obviously cannot compare with “Akiyoshido” in Akiyoshidai, Hiroshima Prefecture, said to be Japan’s largest (that one dates to the Jurassic period about 150 million years ago, while this one dates to the Neogene period of the Cenozoic era, about 26 million to 2 million years ago). This is, so to speak, a baby limestone cave, but it is an extremely rare and precious cave formed in “shell limestone” made of fossil shells of bivalves such as scallops and barnacles, and its value is immeasurable. Before entering Nakatombetsu Limestone Cave, register here (just fill out a visit record and put it in the box), borrow a bear bell (flashlights and helmets are placed at the cave entrance itself), and, if you wish, put a contribution in the “donation box” (you can also do this after returning), then set off. There is a manual “bear-deterrent siren” along the walking path to the cave, so try sounding it. Also, a request for the staff. The flashlights and helmets provided at the entrance to the First Cave are essential (the cave is pitch-black and the ceiling is low; I myself hit my helmet quite hard in various places several times. Without a helmet, I think I would have been covered in blood), and I am very grateful for them. But these helmets smell terrible! Providing a few more and considering daily rotation and deodorizing would make things more comfortable. I hope you notice this comment and respond.

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I live in Hokkaido, but I went after learning that there is a limestone cave here. There are Caves 1 through 4, but only Cave 1 is open to the public. It is small, but on my first visit I was impressed that a place like this existed (haha). Apparently there are bears too, so bells and umbrellas are available to borrow for free at the entrance. There were helmets and lights at the cave entrance. The helmets smell very bad, so be aware.

In mid-June, lovely Japanese primroses were in full bloom along the little path to the limestone cave. Apparently these primroses grow wild. Apparently the path to the cave will eventually be paved to allow cars through. This scenery may disappear. It is such a shame.

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This building is the starting point for the walk to the limestone cave. There are also exhibits about the cave. Bear-deterrent bells are available to borrow. The toilets are clean and the parking lot is spacious. The road is paved up to here, but it has just 1 lane shared by both directions, with occasional passing places, so drive carefully.

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