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Totsui Limestone Cave
Totsui Limestone Cave
Totsui Limestone Cave
Totsui Limestone Cave
Wakayama

Totsui Limestone Cave, Yura

3.8 (326)Tourist AttractionScenic SpotPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Totsui Limestone Cave in Wakayama Prefecture was formed over 250 million years ago, making it one of the oldest geological formations in the region. The cave entrance is located in a mine shaft that was dug during limestone mining operations in the early twentieth century. From 1913 to around 1945, the site was used as a limestone quarry for construction materials and fertilizer production, but mining ceased when the cave and its formations were discovered. After local voices called for its preservation, the cave was opened to the public as a project of Yura Town in 1980.

Totsui Limestone Cave is the only limestone cave in Wakayama Prefecture. The limestone outcrop is part of the Chichibu Belt and consists of Jurassic and Cretaceous limestones enclosed by Silurian and Permian crystalline rocks, mostly granites. The main geological feature is the cave's location in an isolated outcrop of limestone surrounded by crystalline rocks, with honeycombed ceiling structures created by chemical dissolution. The stalactites formed 250 million years ago, the same period as the nearby Shirasaki coast.

The cave extends for approximately 100 meters, offering visitors an intimate encounter with underground formations. The narrow path winds through chambers containing stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes and sizes, with spaces tight enough to require ducking and stooping. Named chambers include the Crab Tunnel, where visitors must squat and inch sideways to enter the Needle Ceiling Chamber, and Bee's Nest Rock, a distinctively patterned wall section. The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 15°C throughout the year, providing cool conditions in summer and warmth in winter. In spring, the area is enhanced by beautiful cherry blossoms.

Admission costs 400 yen for adults (high school students and above) and 200 yen for children. The cave can be reached by taking the Chuki Bus toward Kobiki from JR Kii-Yura Station, approximately 15 minutes to the Totsui bus stop, followed by a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi from JR Kii-Yura Station, which takes approximately 15 minutes. By car, the cave is approximately 25 minutes along National Route 42 from Hirokawa IC on the Yuasa-Gobo Road. The cave is located about 10 minutes from Shirasaki Ocean Park.

Hours
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 738-66-0406

The area

Address
646 Totsui, Yura, Hidaka District, Wakayama 649-1131, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 738-66-0406

What other travelers are saying about Totsui Limestone Cave, Yura

A neat little hidden treasure. Many beautiful coastal roads on the way and small affordable outing. The road is difficult to take and many small narrow passages in the cave. If your are fat I don't think you can do it.

Nearby attractions to see

Toretore Market Nanki Shirahama

Toretore Market Nanki Shirahama

Yunomine Onsen

Yunomine Onsen, Tanabe

Kokokuji Temple, Yura-cho

Kokokuji Temple, Yura-cho

Shirahama Beach, Wakayama

Shirahama Beach, Wakayama

Nearby attractions to see

Toretore Market Nanki Shirahama

Toretore Market Nanki Shirahama

Yunomine Onsen

Yunomine Onsen, Tanabe

Kokokuji Temple, Yura-cho

Kokokuji Temple, Yura-cho

Shirahama Beach, Wakayama

Shirahama Beach, Wakayama

Frequently Asked Questions

The cave extends for approximately 100 meters, making it relatively compact compared to other limestone caves in Japan. Most visitors can complete the full tour in around 20 to 30 minutes. The narrow passageways and low ceilings mean you'll need to duck and move carefully through certain sections, which naturally slows the pace. Despite its modest size, the cave offers an intimate experience with stalactites and unique geological formations up close.

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip as the cave floor can be slippery from moisture and water droplets. Avoid high heels or loose sandals that might come off. The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 15°C (59°F) throughout the year, so bring a light jacket or long sleeves, especially if visiting during warmer months. Since some passages are narrow and you may need to crouch or stoop, choose clothing you don't mind getting slightly dirty. The paths can be tight, so avoid bulky bags or backpacks.

The cave is open on weekends, national holidays, and during long vacations of Yura Elementary and Junior High School, making it a somewhat hidden attraction with limited visiting days. The cave itself is comfortable year-round due to its consistent temperature—cool in summer and relatively warm in winter. However, spring is particularly recommended as the area features beautiful cherry blossoms that enhance the overall experience. Check the official schedule before planning your visit since opening days are limited.

Yes, the cave can accommodate most visitors, though some physical ability is required. The 100-meter length makes it manageable for families with children, and the adventure-like atmosphere appeals to young explorers. However, visitors should be prepared for narrow passages, low ceilings in certain areas, and potentially slippery conditions. The experience involves some ducking and careful navigation through tight spots. Those with mobility concerns should consider whether they're comfortable with these conditions, as the cave lacks extensive accessibility modifications.

Absolutely. The cave is located approximately 10 minutes from Shirasaki Ocean Park, a coastal area known for its striking white limestone formations and scenic ocean views that resemble the Aegean Sea. Many visitors combine both attractions in a single trip. The surrounding Yura area also features several temples, shrines, and coastal roads that make for pleasant drives. The cave's compact nature means you won't spend your entire day there, leaving plenty of time to explore nearby attractions in Wakayama Prefecture.
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Kyle Jacobson
Sep 3, 2017
Difficult road to get to it. But So wonderfully cool on a blistering hot day. It is very small, the path through is very narrow for bigger people it is a bit of a squeeze.
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Lincoln Wood
Aug 20, 2023
It's small, but it's not crowded and the scenery is pretty good, so it's enjoyable. However, the road gets worse and narrower from the last signpost onto the side road. There are a lot of fallen leaves and branches at this time of year, so be careful if you're on a motorcycle! It's possible to get there in a large vehicle, but it can be tough if you get on an oncoming vehicle! It's cheap and worth the visit, but it can be a bit difficult to get to.
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茶色っぽい何か
Nov 1, 2025
First, the endless climb up the road, where you can't pass other vehicles, is discouraging. However, since it's not yet a major attraction, there aren't many cars, and I somehow managed to arrive. The road itself isn't too bad. There's a small museum and a shack with a ticket counter, and beyond that, a staircase leading down that looks like the entrance to a local subway. It's apparently a limestone cave that continues all the way to Shirasaki, and quite a bit of water drips from the ceiling and cracks, so you get wet. It's best to avoid clothes and shoes that won't get wet. There's a map in the entrance hall so you can see the whole picture. Incidentally, there are many baby stalactites growing at the junction between the stairs and the hall. There's also a decent-sized pool of water in the hall, forming a gentle mosaic reminiscent of the Chinese Yellow Dragon. Once I decided on my route and entered, it was surprisingly narrow! I imagine it would be quite difficult for people over 180cm tall. Also, for people with waists over 100cm (like me), your stomach and back are physically pressed against the wall, just like in Junji Ito's manga, "The Mystery of the Amigara Fault." It was like a real Amikara Fault. There was a cute old lady who originally owned the land at the museum, and she told us about the history in detail. It was a really great experience for just 500 yen. It's hard to revisit once it becomes popular, but I thought it would be a shame to let it be forgotten, so I ended up writing a lengthy review. Still, I can't forgive the people who broke off the stalactites and took them away without permission back then ( ･᷅-･᷄ )
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サンタはるる
Nov 6, 2025
I visited on August 14th during the Obon festival to cool off. Apparently it's open all through the summer holidays. It costs 400 yen per person, and takes about 10 minutes to explore. It closes at around 4 PM, so don't go too late. It's narrow inside, but you can still go through as long as a sumo wrestler. The average temperature is about 15°C, so it's chilly. It's cold enough to go in short sleeves. I never wanted to go outside again. I think there's parking for about 10 cars. There are guides and a receptionist, so this isn't some creepy, deserted cave. Don't worry! The only problem is... the road is narrow, so proceed slowly and carefully, especially if you're in an SUV. There are places where you can pass other vehicles along the way, but there are no guardrails or gutters, so be careful. It's a small cave, but the view of the ocean from the high ground is amazing!
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ムーミン
Aug 14, 2025