Ryusendo Cave - an underground world of transparent waters and mysterious creatures (10 photos + 1 video)

This impressive cave system boasts waters from a lake that is considered one of the clearest on earth, and some lovely inhabitants.





One of the three largest limestone caves in Japan, Ryushendo features vast underground galleries that sit above deep lakes with incredibly clear, crystal-blue water. Since 1934, the complex has been recognized by the state as a natural monument, both due to its impressive size and fascinating water characteristics, and to the special species of bats that have chosen the cave as their home.



Ryusendo Cave

Exploration of the cave began in 1920, and to date, about 3,600 meters have been explored and mapped, of which 700 meters are accessible to tourists. But the work continues. It is believed that the full length of the cave may reach 5,000 meters or even more. In addition, eight underground lakes were discovered in Ryushendo, fed by an underground river with amazingly clear spring water.





Three of the reservoirs are open to visitors and are equipped with special underwater lighting that makes the chambers bright and gives the water azure and malachite shades. The fourth lake, closed to visitors, reaches a solid depth of 120 meters, making it the deepest underground lake in Japan and one of the most transparent lakes on the planet.



Local stalagmites

Paths, bridges and stairs lead visitors to a magical world where they can enjoy amazing underground beauties for half an hour. The bravest can climb to the vault and look at the water depths from the stalactites located above.



Amazing and diverse inhabitants

There you can also see interesting, rarely encountered bats that inhabit the cave: the brown long-eared bat, the long-toed (Italian) bat, the Hilgendorf tube-nosed bat and the greater horseshoe bat.





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