Overview
Akkadō, located in Iwaizumi, Iwate Prefecture, in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan, is the longest limestone cavern in the country, with a measured length of 23,702 metres. The cave was designated a natural monument by the Japanese government in 1980. Since 1991, a portion of the caverns has been open to the public for part of the year, and the site is one of the geosites of the Sanriku Geopark.
Highlights
- ●Its scale as the longest limestone cavern in Japan, measuring 23,702 metres
- ●Its value as a natural monument, designated by the national government
- ●Its status as one of the geosites of the Sanriku Geopark
- ●A limited viewing arrangement, open to the public only for part of the year
History
The cave system was designated a natural monument by the Japanese government in 1980. Since 1991, a portion of the caverns has been open to the public for part of the year. The Sanriku Geopark was certified as a Japanese Geopark in September 2013, and Akkadō is counted among its geosites.
Access
The cave lies in Iwaizumi, in the Shimohei District of Iwate Prefecture. Because public access is limited to part of the year, confirming the opening period before a visit is advisable.
Best season
Since the cave is open to the public only for part of the year, visits are generally timed to that opening period.
Map
39.9836, 141.7360 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Take in the scale of the longest limestone cavern in Japan, measuring 23,702 metres
- 2Consider its value as a cave designated a national natural monument
- 3Follow the section of the cave open to the public and view the limestone formations
- 4Note its standing as one of the geosites of the Sanriku Geopark
Did you know?
💡 Akkadō measures 23,702 metres in length and is known as the longest cave in Japan.
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