Where underground rivers roar and ancient stories come to light.

Tucked away in the forests of Iwate Prefecture, Rokando invites you to step off the well-worn tourist trail and enter a world few travelers have experienced.
This living limestone cave leads deep underground, culminating in the breathtaking Ama no Iwato no Taki—a 29-meter-high underground waterfall cascading from a marble fissure into a dome-like cavern lit with ethereal blue light.

More than a sightseeing stop, this is an adventure that stirs the senses, awakens curiosity, and leaves you changed.

💧 Follow the Echoes to the Waterfall

As you journey 880 meters through dimly lit tunnels, narrow passageways, and slippery stone steps, the ordinary world fades behind you.
At the end of the route lies the crown jewel: a hidden dome, 60 meters high and 50 meters wide, where Ama no Iwato no Taki crashes from above in a deafening, awe-inspiring display.

This isn't a staged attraction—it’s raw, real, and alive. The power of water, the silence of stone, and the hush of reverence merge into one unforgettable moment.

🧭 Choose Your Path: Three Levels of Exploration

Whether you're a curious first-timer or an experienced adventurer, Rokando offers three immersive courses:

Level 1: Standard Course

Perfect for families or casual explorers. Follow marked paths and use QR guides to learn about the cave's geology and history.
⏱️ 30–50 min｜¥1,100 adults / ¥500 children (free under age 6)

Level 2: Adventure Course

Go off the main path with a guide, squeezing through tight gaps and climbing over natural rock formations.
⏱️ 60–70 min｜¥4,100 adults / ¥2,500 children（includes gear & insurance / reservation required）

Level 3: Explorer Course

The ultimate challenge. Rappel down drops, crawl through muddy shafts, and navigate pitch-dark caverns wearing full caving gear.
⏱️ 70–90 min｜¥12,000 per person（reservation required）

🎒 Important Notes for International Visitors

Participation in Level 3 (Explorer Course) is limited to those who have first completed Level 2 (Adventure Course).
From Level 2 onward, a Japanese-speaking guide is required.
If you would like an English-speaking guide, please contact Rokando in advance to check availability.
All advanced courses require reservations at least 7 days before your visit.

🎁 Optional Experience: Create Your Own Wooden Stampboard and Become a “Rokando Meister”

Looking to take home more than memories? Try this fun and rewarding optional souvenir-making experience.

Using locally sourced wood from Sumita Town, you can create a custom stampboard, marking each of the three courses—Level 1 through Level 3—with a unique brand.
Once you complete all three courses, you’ll receive the honorary title of “Rokando Meister,” and your completed board will be gifted as a badge of honor.

Exclusive Meister benefits such as discounts and limited gifts are also available for those who complete the challenge.
Sign up on the day at the reception desk and take a tangible piece of your adventure home.

🏯 A Space Carved by Nature, Embraced by History

Rokando was discovered in the late 1800s and opened to the public in 1955. It has since become a revered site of both scientific interest and cultural memory.

The waterfall's name—Ama no Iwato no Taki—was given by poet Yanagihara Byakuren in 1958, inspired by Japan’s sun goddess hiding in a celestial cave.
Rokando was also a dramatic filming location for the 1977 Japanese horror classic “Village of Eight Gravestones,” with film props like ladders still visible today.

🛖 Rest, Recharge, and Relive the Adventure

In 2024, the new “Orai no Rokando” visitor center opened at the entrance. Crafted from local timber, this warm, welcoming space features:

1F: Ticket counter, souvenir shop, regional information
2F: Restaurant with signature “Waterfall Curry” and “Waterfall Soba”
Kids’ area with wooden toys and books

After your underground adventure, unwind in comfort and continue your journey above ground.

⚠️ Know Before You Go: 8 Visitor Guidelines

To protect this fragile environment and ensure everyone’s safety:

No strollers or wheelchairs inside
Do not touch or remove cave formations
No pets or coin tossing
No food, drink, or smoking inside
No entry under the influence of alcohol
Entry may be limited during peak periods
No toilets inside—use facilities before entry
Surfaces are slippery and narrow—wear provided safety gear

📍Access Information

Location: 298-81 Tsuchikura, Kamiarisu, Sumita Town, Iwate Prefecture
By Train:
From Hanamaki Station, take the JR Kamaishi Line (local) and get off at Kamiarisu Station.
Rokando is just a 2-minute walk from the station.
(Enjoy scenic countryside views along the way!)

Contact: +81-192-48-2756 / info@rokando.jp

✨Final Words: A Journey Worth the Steps

Rokando is not about checking off a destination—it’s about descending into the Earth's memory.
A place where water, stone, and myth converge to offer something truly rare: a story you don’t just hear, but feel.
If you’re seeking something deeper in Japan, your adventure begins here.

Explore Earth’s Hidden Heartbeat at Rokando