Are you planning to visit the Hida Great Limestone Cave? This fascinating underground attraction, known in Japanese as Hida Daishōnyūdō (飛騨大鍾乳洞), sits 900 meters above sea level just outside the city.
The Hida Great Limestone Cave system dates back an incredible 250 million years. Inside, you’ll discover an impressive network of stalactites and stalagmites, which are natural rock formations created by mineral-rich water dripping over millions of years. Stalactites hang down from the ceiling like stone icicles, while stalagmites grow upward from the cave floor.
The cave is beautifully lit, making it easy to see all these incredible formations as you walk through. The temperature inside stays at a constant 12°C year-round, which means it’s perfectly cool during hot summer days and comfortably warm in winter. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature when you’re sightseeing in the heat. Once inside, the coolness is so refreshing that you won’t want to leave!
One fun detail we love: As you enter the Hida Great Limestone Cave, you’ll find a spot where you can enjoy local Japanese sake from Takayama’s breweries. The sake is naturally chilled by the cave’s cool temperature, which acts as a natural refrigerator.
Right next to the cave, you’ll find the Ohashi Collection Kan Museum, which displays rare jewels and artwork from around the world. After exploring the caves, be sure to try some of the food stalls right outside, where they serve grilled river fish, fresh seasonal vegetables, ice cream and more.
Whether you’re interested in geology, need a break from the weather, or just want to experience something different near Takayama, the Hida Great Limestone Cave is definitely worth the trip!
