Akiyoshi Cave

Japanese: 秋芳洞 - あきよしどう

Commonly known as "Shuhodo". A large limestone cave located at the southern end of Akiyoshidai in the mid-west of Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is the center of tourism in Akiyoshidai. The main cave can be explored for a total length of about 1.5 km, but the extension is estimated to be about 10 km. The cross section of the cave is up to 30 m and the widest width is 90 m. There are rivers, waterfalls, and pools in the cave, and travertine terraces, stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone columns have developed on the cave surface. Rare cave animals also live there. The main cave, about 1.5 km long, which runs from the mouth of the cave to the Kurodani branch cave, is full of strange sights such as 100 plates, umbrellas, and golden pillars. There is an elevator and lighting facilities. It was designated a natural monument in 1922 and a special natural monument in 1977. It was originally called Takiana, but in 1925 it was renamed Akiyoshido by the Crown Prince (Emperor Showa). It belongs to Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park.

Akiyoshi Cave

Please see the "Akiyoshido Cave" page.

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica Concise Encyclopedia About Encyclopaedia Britannica Concise Encyclopedia Information

Japanese:

通称「しゅうほうどう」。山口県中西部，秋吉台南端にある大規模な鍾乳洞。秋吉台観光の中心。主洞は全長約 1.5kmまで探勝できるが，その延長は約 10kmに及ぶと推定される。洞の断面は最高 30m，最大幅は 90m。洞内には川，滝，淵があり，洞穴面に石灰華段丘，鍾乳石，石筍，石灰柱などが発達。珍しい洞窟動物も生息する。洞口から黒谷支洞へ抜ける主洞の約 1.5kmは，百枚皿，傘づくし，黄金柱など奇観が多い。エレベータや照明施設がある。 1922年天然記念物，52年特別天然記念物に指定。もと滝穴といわれたが，1925年皇太子 (昭和天皇) の命名により秋芳洞と改められた。秋吉台国定公園に属する。