A Hidden World Beneath the Earth — Discover Another Side of Hamamatsu at Ryugashido Cavern

Step Into a Fantastical World Created by Nature

Located in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Ryugashido Cavern is known as one of the largest tourist limestone caves in the Tokai region.
Inside the cavern, countless stalactites formed over immense spans of time create a breathtaking underground landscape unlike anything found above ground.

The temperature inside the cave remains stable throughout the year, making it an especially popular destination during the warmer months.
As soon as visitors step inside, they are surrounded by rugged rock walls and a quiet underground atmosphere, creating the feeling of entering an entirely different world beneath the earth.

One of the greatest attractions of Ryugashido Cavern is the opportunity to view the stalactites from remarkably close distances. The naturally formed shapes and textures can be observed up close, allowing visitors to experience a strong sense of immersion rather than simply viewing scenery from afar.

Experience the Attractions of Ryugashido Cavern

1. The Powerful Beauty of Stalactites Seen Up Close

The greatest highlight of Ryugashido Cavern is its spectacular collection of stalactites and cave formations.

Formed gradually over countless years, the stalactites spread across the ceilings and walls, creating landscapes so unusual they almost seem unreal.
Carefully designed lighting reveals different expressions throughout the cave, and the atmosphere changes depending on where visitors stand and walk.

One unique feature of this cavern is how closely visitors can approach many of the formations. The delicate textures and shapes can be observed in impressive detail, offering a rare opportunity to truly appreciate the immense timescale of nature.

Experiencing these formations up close is one of the defining attractions of Ryugashido Cavern.

2. An Extraordinary Underground Adventure

As visitors walk through Ryugashido Cavern, the scenery gradually changes from one section to another.

Narrow passageways suddenly open into larger chambers, while the sound of flowing water echoes through the darkness, creating the sensation of exploring a hidden underground world.
The cave’s natural humidity, silence, and rocky surroundings produce an atmosphere completely different from life above ground.

One of the cavern’s most iconic sights is the Golden Waterfall, an underground waterfall with a drop of approximately 30 meters.
The sound of rushing water combined with the dramatic scenery leaves a lasting impression on many visitors.

Walking through a space shaped entirely by nature allows guests to experience the cavern not only visually, but physically as well.

3. A Cool and Comfortable Escape Throughout the Year

The interior of Ryugashido Cavern maintains a stable temperature of approximately 16–18°C throughout the year.

Especially during summer, the cool underground air provides a refreshing contrast to the heat outside, making the cavern a popular stop during sightseeing trips and scenic drives around Hamamatsu.

The walking route through the cave is approximately 400 meters long and typically takes around 30 minutes to explore. Since the cavern has separate entrances and exits with a one-way route, visitors can naturally continue forward while discovering new scenery along the way.

Near the middle of the cave, there is also a staircase with approximately 50 descending steps, adding to the adventurous atmosphere of the experience.

At the entrance area of the cavern, visitors can also meet adorable bats known for their round eyes and fluffy appearance. Every day at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, special feeding sessions are held where guests can watch the bats happily eating fruit directly from the staff. Their charming appearance has become one of the popular highlights for visitors.

Since the cavern can also be enjoyed comfortably on rainy days, it is an easy destination to visit regardless of weather conditions.

4. More Than Just a Cave — Relaxation and Discoveries After Exploring

Ryugashido Cavern offers more than underground exploration alone.

Inside the facility area, visitors can stop by several spots after exploring the cave. One especially popular attraction is the gelato shop “Materia,” located inside the souvenir area.

Made with carefully selected ingredients including locally produced Inasa milk, the gelato is a perfect treat after cave exploration and has even been selected as the No.1 ice cream by Shizuoka bus tour guides.

The area also includes a cave museum and a rock garden, allowing visitors to continue enjoying geological and natural discoveries even after leaving the cavern itself.

These additional attractions make Ryugashido Cavern a destination where visitors can enjoy much more than simply walking through a cave.

A Place Where Time Flows Differently

Ryugashido Cavern is not simply a place to look at underground scenery.

Walking among ancient stalactites, experiencing the cool underground air, and listening to the sounds of flowing water become part of the experience itself.

Whether visiting with family, friends, or alone, Ryugashido Cavern offers a unique opportunity to encounter the immense power and beauty of nature.

If you visit Hamamatsu, step into this mysterious underground world and discover a side of Japan far removed from the ordinary.

Please note: Stalactites grow extremely slowly — approximately 1 cm every 100 years. Visitors are kindly asked not to touch, damage, or break any cave formations.

Visitor Information

Name: Ryugashido Cavern

Location: 193 Tabatake, Inasa-cho, Hamana Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

TEL: 053-543-0108

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last cave entry is around 4:30 PM)

Closed: Open year-round

Admission Fees:

Adults & High School Students: ¥1,000
Elementary & Junior High School Students: ¥600
Preschool children: Free admission

※ Group discounts available for groups of 20 or more.

※ Visitors presenting a disability certificate receive the group rate for themselves.

※ Cash and credit cards accepted.

Access:

By Car: ・Approx. 10 minutes from Shin-Tomei Expressway “Hamamatsu Inasa IC” ・Approx. 30 minutes from Tomei Expressway “Hamamatsu Nishi IC” or “Mikkabi IC”

By Train & Bus: ・Approx. 60 minutes by Entetsu Bus from JR Hamamatsu Station, then 7 minutes on foot from “Ryugashido Iriguchi” bus stop ・Approx. 15 minutes by bus from Tenryu Hamanako Railway “KanaSashi Station,” then 7 minutes on foot from “Ryugashido Iriguchi” bus stop

Parking: Available (Free)

Official Website: https://doukutu.co.jp/