Explore dramatic landscapes above and below ground on an unforgettable summer adventure in Kitakyushu

A Thrilling Summer Adventure on the Hiraodai Karst Plateau

Two people wearing helmets and outdoor gear exploring inside a cave with a small body of water and rock formations.

Hiraodai is one of Japan’s most spectacular karst plateaus, where vast grasslands stretch across the surface and mysterious limestone caves spread deep underground. This half-day adventure course lets you experience both worlds—from scenic walks across the plateau to an exciting caving expedition guided by professionals. End the day by relaxing in a local hot spring and create a summer memory you’ll never forget in Kitakyushu.

Duration : Half day

Transportation : Car

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Hiraodai Karst Plateau

  2. Chikyu no Kakera HIRAODAI

  3. Spa Resort Pavilio Sone no Yu

🚩START!

Kyushu Expressway – Kokura Minami IC

By car (19 minutes)

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1. Hiraodai Karst Plateau

Green rolling hills with scattered rocks and trees under a blue sky with few clouds.

🐑 A rare landscape where limestone formations resemble a flock of sheep

Stretching approximately 6 km from north to south and 2 km from east to west, Hiraodai is one of Japan’s three major karst plateaus. Countless limestone pinnacles dot the rolling grasslands, creating a unique scenery often compared to a flock of grazing sheep. The area is ideal for light trekking and nature walks. Before exploring, stop by the Hiraodai Nature Observation Center to learn about the plateau’s geological history and highlights.

📍 Basic Info

By car (2 minutes)

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2. Chikyu no Kakera ( Piece of Earth)HIRAODAI

🕯️ Explore mysterious, untouched caves beneath the plateau

Two people wearing yellow and blue waterproof suits and helmets with headlamps, kneeling inside a narrow cave or tunnel with smooth brown rock walls and a small body of water.

While Hiraodai is home to three well-known tourist caves, the area actually contains nearly 200 limestone caves. This guided caving experience takes you into non-commercialized caves that change depending on weather and conditions. Led by experienced guides, participants can safely explore the underground world. There are five different courses available, ranging from kid-friendly routes to advanced adventures. Tours are available for groups of two or more.

📍 Basic Info

By car (30 minutes)

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3. Spa Resort Pavilio Sone no Yu

♨️ Relax and unwind at a spacious local hot spring

A modern fast food restaurant with a yellow brick exterior, a large canopy entrance, and a parking lot in front.

After an active day, soothe your body at this comfortable urban hot spring facility. The baths rotate daily between men and women and include indoor baths, open-air baths, jacuzzis, reclining baths, and medicinal baths. All bath areas feature saunas; on even-numbered days, the women’s bath includes a salt sauna, while on odd-numbered days it’s available for men. The facility also offers Time Service and special events.

📍 Basic Info

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By car (7 minutes)

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Kyushu Expressway – Kokura Higashi IC

🏁GOAL!

  • A bowl of udon noodle soup topped with green onions, tempura, beef, and a fish cake, served alongside onigiri rice balls wrapped in seaweed.
  • A modern building with glass doors and windows, decorated with flags and signs, including a cartoon tiger mascot wearing a white hat and cape, outdoors on a sunny day with trees in the background.
  • Two children playing in a shallow creek with rocks, surrounded by green fields and rolling hills under a blue sky with scattered clouds.