The Hida Great Limestone Cave is popular found a short drive out from Takayama City. The Hida Great Limestone Cave is estimated to be over 250 million years old, evidenced by the numerous stalagmites and stalactites, which grow about 1cm every 100 years.
Today, there are over 800 meters of cave at the Hida Great Limestone Cave, with dozens of beautiful and natural stalagmites and stalactites artistically illuminated. At an altitude of 900m above sea level, the Hida Great Limestone Cave is also the highest-known limestone cave open to tourists in Japan. With a constant temperature year-round inside of between 9-12° Celsius, the cave is a great place to space the summer heat.
The walking path of the Hida Great Limestone Cave is well-maintained and spacious. There are very few tight and narrow areas, and a few of which are optional. The cave is split up into 3 different sections. Section three of the cave system is the steepest and narrowest. There are three exits from the cave, one at each of the sections. This allows you to get out of the cave if a section of the cave proves too difficult for your ability. The total walking path inside the cave takes about 30 minutes.
In addition to the entry to the cave, your ticket grants you access to the Ohashi Kan Museum, which is found on floors 2 and 3 of the building where you purchased your tickets. This museum houses artifacts from the local area and some internal artifacts bought and traded over the years. It takes about 10 minutes to go through the museum.
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Hours and Admission
- Hours: 8:00am - 5:30pm - April to October (Last Entry at 5:00pm)
- Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm - April to October (Last Entry at 4:00pm)
- 1,100JPY
- Average Time Spent: 30-60 Minutes
- Official Website
Accessing the Hida Great Limestone Cave
The Hida Great Limestome Cave is about a 25-30 minute drive out from Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. There is a free carpark onsite for visitors, with capacity for 300 cars.
There is also a bus that runs from Takayama Nohi Bus Centre to the cave entrance. Tickets can be purchased in advance at a discount and include bus fare and entrance to the Hide Great Limestone Cave. For Adults, the cost is 2560JPY for advance purchases or 2900JPY for door sales. Tickets can be purchased at: Purchase tickets
Where to Stay
Super Hotel Hida Takayama
Central and comfortable business hotel, with simple, yet compact rooms for those travelling light.
Takayama Grand Chisun
Modern and affordable hotel located in central Takayama City, only a short walk from Takayama Station.
Mercure Hida Takayama
Modern and fresh hotel, with spacious rooms and beautiful on-site onsen facilities.
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