A mysterious world where strange stones and waterfalls intertwine. Feel the pulse of the earth in the limestone cave in the cliff wall
You will instinctively gasp at the art made by droplets of water over hundreds of millions of years, and the roar of the flowing waterfall
The entrance for Ikurado Cave, one of western Japan’s representative limestone caves, lies in the sheer cliffs along the Takahashi River, which soar 240 meters high. The beauty of the valley, looking like a painting, is visible as you cross a bridge over the river and enter the cave. Continue along the path, with a length of 1200 meters and an elevation difference of 90 meters, and countless stalactites appear, one after another, along with about 30 strange stones and oddly shaped rocks with names such as “Gin Sudare” (Silver Screen) and “Sui-i” (Water Clothes). The art of nature, made over eons, touches us deeply just by seeing it, and stimulates our adventourous spirit and curiosity. There are three waterfalls inside the cave, including the masterpiece Chi-jiku no Taki waterfall, the largest subterranean waterfall in Japan, boasting a maximum drop of 50 meters. From its echoing roar, and the size and scale that one would never think of as being in a cave, you will once again feel the majesty of nature.(This information is as of October 2020)
Kogane Dendo (Golden Hall of Fame). Just before this are Chi-jiku no Taki waterfall, “Kin Sudare” (Gold Screen), and “Gin Sudare” (Silver Screen). At the fifth path junction, there is a shortcut to the exit.
“Seto no Umi” (Sea of Seto)
The gorgeous “Sandan-Kyo” (Three Gorges) ravine
“Chiku-rin” (Bamboo forest)
“Niji no Tani” (Rainbow Valley)
The waterfall behind this stalactite is called “Oto no Taki” (Sound Falls) because only the sound can be heard.
Footbath at the exit using water from the cave. The spring water feels good in the summer.
The Arisa no Miya marriage shrine in front of the footbath.
Ikurado cave
- Address
- 409 Ikura, Niimi City, Okayama [Map]
- TEL
- +81-867-75-2224
- Open
- 8:30-17:00 (entrance is until 16:30)
- Closed
- None
- Parking
- 300
- Price
- 1000 yen for high school students and older, 800 yen for junior high school students, 500 yen for elementary school students
- Access
- About 20 minutes’ drive from the Chugoku motorway / Niimi interchange, or About 30 minutes’ ride on taxi from JR Niimi Station.
- Credit card
- Not accepted
- URL
- Website
MAP
External links
Nearby
Features
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Night-time Food & Drinks Guide
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Home to the headwaters of the Takahashi River, Niimi City in northwestern Okayama Prefecture is surrounded by lush nature and boasts over 200 limestone caves. There are also many tasty local foods, including Chiyagyu Wagyu beef and Pione, a grape known for its size and sweetness, making Niimi a great destination for your next trip.
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NIIMI
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Seasons
Destinations
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SETOUCHI
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Okayama, the Land of Sunshine, abounds with the blessings of lush mountains and a bountiful sea, the beauty of nature and the crossroads of prominent Japanese historic heritage. Always a key transport hub in the Setouchi region, in recent years it has also become the gateway to the art of the Seto Inland Sea.
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OKAYAMA
Okayama, the Land of Sunshine, abounds with the blessings of lush mountains and a bountiful sea, the beauty of nature and the crossroads of prominent Japanese historic heritage. Always a key transport hub in the Setouchi region, in recent years it has also become the gateway to the art of the Seto Inland Sea.
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HIROSHIMA
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SHIMANE
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TOTTORI
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EHIME
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TOKUSHIMA
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