Hakuundo Cave

In short

Hakuundo Cave is a limestone cave located in Kami-Taishaku, in the upper reaches of Taishakukyo Gorge, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty. It is known as a representative cave of Taishakukyo Gorge, and among the caves of Taishakukyo Gorge, it is the only one that visitors can enter and tour. It has a depth of approximately 200 meters.

• ​Naturally Preserved Speleothems​​: From the pathway inside the cave, you can view stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, and stone pillars where the two have joined, all up close
• ​Cool Interior Year-Round​​: The temperature inside the cave is maintained at around 11 degrees Celsius throughout the year. It feels cool during the hot summer and warm during the cold winter
• ​Along the Kami-Taishaku Walking Trail​​: Hakuundo Cave is located along the walking trail that follows the mountain stream. Continuing further brings you to Oni-no-Karamon Gate, and beyond that, the natural stone bridge Onbashi Natural Bridge comes into view

History and Highlights

​Hakuundo Cave​ is a limestone cave located in Kami-Taishaku, in the upper reaches of Taishakukyo Gorge, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty. Taishakukyo Gorge is a ravine formed by a river carving through a limestone plateau, and it is said that numerous limestone caves of various sizes lie beneath the area. Hakuundo Cave is known as a representative cave of Taishakukyo Gorge, and among the caves here, it is the only one that visitors can enter and tour.

Limestone is a type of rock that gradually dissolves in rainwater and groundwater. Over many years, fissures in the rock widen to form caves, and the lime components contained in seeping water slowly accumulate, giving rise to distinctive formations such as stalactites. Hakuundo Cave has a depth of approximately 200 meters, and its stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars are preserved in their natural state.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Naturally Preserved Speleothems​​: From the pathway inside the cave, you can view stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, and stone pillars where the two have joined, all up close. Comparing the different shapes formed by water as you proceed is one of the pleasures of visiting.
• ​Cool Interior Year-Round​​: The temperature inside the cave is maintained at around 11 degrees Celsius throughout the year. It feels pleasantly cool during the hot summer and warm during the cold winter.
• ​Along the Kami-Taishaku Walking Trail​​: Hakuundo Cave is located along the walking trail that follows the mountain stream. Continuing further brings you to Oni-no-Karamon Gate, and beyond that, the natural stone bridge Onbashi Natural Bridge comes into view. Onbashi Natural Bridge is introduced in the "Onbashi Natural Bridge" entry, and the entire ravine is introduced in the "Taishakukyo Gorge" entry.

Tips for Exploring

The cave interior is quite humid and the ground can be wet, so enter with comfortable, slip-resistant shoes. Because it feels cool even in summer, having a light outer layer to slip on will ensure a comfortable visit. Hakuundo Cave is situated along the flat walking trail that leads from the Kami-Taishaku parking area toward Onbashi Natural Bridge. Consider extending your walk to Onbashi Natural Bridge and further to Dangyokei Gorge to enjoy them together with the scenery of the limestone ravine.