The Ryuysendo cave 龍泉洞

The Dragon Spring Cave

In Iwate Prefecture, Iwaizumi, Ryusendo Cave, or "Dragon Spring Cave", is a National Natural Monument whose crystal blue waters are renowned. Beyond the geological wonders, discover the myths of this cave.

In the heart of the earth

Located in Iwaizumi in Sanriku Fukko National Park, Ryûsendô Cave is one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan; alongside Akiyoshido Cave in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Ryugado Cave in Kochi Prefecture.

It has been classified as a National Natural Site since 1938; very shortly after the first explorations carried out in the 1920s. There is only one reason for this: its extraordinary characteristics!

With a depth of 249 meters, it extends over 4088 km long and shelters several underground lakes with translucent waters.

The Ryusendo cave opened to the public in 1967; a date that coincides with the discovery of adjacent caves named Shin Ryuensendo. This part, also open to visitors, also houses the Ryusenshindo scientific museum dedicated to the geological wonders of the place. The cave itself is the main exhibition hall.

grotte-ryusendo

Discover this incredible natural site

かがみ~

As it flows from the source to the cave, the water will be filtered naturally. It is indeed the humus of the soils which is responsible for capturing the limestone.

A biological purification that gives this water a mystical reputation. A single sip of water from the Ryusendo cave would make it possible to live three more years! Very good news, especially when you know that it is this same water that flows from the taps in the city of Iwaizumi!

In the cave, this nectar of youth makes the beauty and the mystery of the three deep underground lakes respectively of 35, 38, and 98 meters. This crystal blue water is nicknamed "dragon blue".

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The water in underground lakes is extremely transparent

http://www.iwate-ryusendo.jp


Address, timetable & access

  • Address

  • Phone

    +81 194-22-2566
  • Timetable

    Take the bus from Morioka station (2h15 journey). Attention, circulation limited to 4 buses per day.
  • Price

    Adult: 100 yen Child: 500 yen.
  • Access

    Open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
  • Website

    http://www.iwate-ryusendo.jp/en

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