Shizushi Limestone Cave Park

Shizushi Limestone Cave Park is located deep in the mountains of Kyotamba Town in Prefecture and serves as the prefecture's only large limestone cave. The cave network was discovered in 1927, and the limestone originates from what was once the ocean floor approximately 200 million years ago. Fossil evidence reveals that this area was once a thriving coral reef system during the Permian period about 290 million years ago. The site holds official recognition as a prefecturally-designated natural monument.

The cave measures 52.5 meters in total length with a vertical depth of 25.1 meters. Visitors descend into the cave via steel ladders and walkways, making a full descent 52 meters into the mountainside in a self-guided exploration with no accompanying guide. The temperature inside remains constant between 12°C and 15°C year-round, making it a popular natural cooling spot during summer months. The most impressive limestone formations are concentrated near the entrance, while the deeper sections offer an underground exploration experience. The cave serves as an important habitat for several bat species, including the Japanese lesser horseshoe bat.

The park surrounding the cave offers additional recreational facilities. Visitors can enjoy barbecue facilities and rainbow trout fishing, along with cottages and campsites for overnight accommodation. The cave entrance is accessed via a 15-minute hike through forested terrain from the park's bus stop. Free sneakers are available to borrow at the cave entrance for those without appropriate footwear, as the surfaces inside can be extremely slippery.

Access by car requires exiting at Kyotanba Mizuho IC and heading toward Ayabe for approximately 10 minutes. Public transport users should take a bus to Hiyama, then transfer to the Inohana Totsukawa Line operated by Kyotanba Municipal Bus, alighting at Shōnyūdō-guchi stop. Admission fees apply, with tickets available at the park office. The cave operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from March to November, but is closed in January and February, with limited weekend and holiday openings in December and March.