This article will tell you a little bit about the cave, the area, and what you can expect during a visit there.
Where is Yugen Cave?
Yugen Cave is located just outside of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi in the Iwate Prefecture. From the JR Ichinoseki Station, you can take the JR Ofunato Line bound for Kesennuma. Ride for about 35 minutes and get off at Geibikei Station. The walk from the station to the cave takes about 30 minutes. You can enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the surrounding mountains and river as you walk through the town.
A Brief History
After examining the layers of Yugen Cave, researchers determined it to be around 350 million years old, making it Japan's oldest limestone cave. The area itself was discovered to be the seafloor at about 50 meters deep. Other research revealed how the shifting tectonic plates contributed to the cave's unique tilt, making some edges within it almost vertical.
- It is considered to be Japan's premiere fossil site
- Fossils of sea lilies were found here, the first of their kind discovered in Japan
- The naturally forming underground pond is famous for its emerald-like color
- The cave is known as a love "power spot"
- At the exit is a small gift shop filled with handmade pottery and other items by local artisans in the town
Recommended Tour to the Area
Snow Monkey Resort’s 1-Day Tour from Ichinoseki: Geibikei Gorge & Yugen Cave offers you a chance to slow down during your Tohoku travels and visit a hidden gem tucked away in a small Iwate Prefecture town. Utilizing quaint local trains, your guide will take you to the ancient Yugen Cave and end your day with a scenic boat ride down the iconic Geibikei Gorge. See for yourself why this small town is still enticing visitors year round!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it open all year round?
Yes. Yugen Cave is open year round with slight changes in their open hours. From April to September: 8:30 - 18:00, October and November 8:30 - 17:00, and December to March 9:00 - 16:00.
How do I get to Yugen Cave?
From Tokyo:
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at Ichinoseki Station. From Ichinoseki, take the local Ofunato Line train bound for Kesennuma and get off at Geibikei Station. The cave is about a 30 minute walk from the station. The trip takes about 3.5 hours at around 13,610 yen.
Purchasing a JR Pass or JR East Pass is great for those planning on traveling long distances or using the shinkansen many times throughout their trip.
From Sendai Station:
Take the Tohoku shinkansen bound for Morioka and get off at Ichinoseki Station. On the Hayabusa train, you can ride in cars 1 through 4 with an unreserved seat ticket (but must give up your seat should someone with a reserved ticket show up). Once arriving at Ichinoseki, follow the above directions to reach Yugen Cave. The total price is about 4,590 yen.
From Akita Station:
Take the Akita shinkansen bound for Tokyo and get off at Morioka Station. You can then take the local JR Tohoku Line train bound for Ichinoseki and transfer to the Ofunato Line once arriving at Ichinoseki station. The trip is a bit of a journey, taking about 4 hours total and costing around 6,730 yen.
Is there food sold here or nearby?
You can buy ice cream inside the ticket office for the cave, but all restaurants are closer to the station. However, due to the nature of the rural town, many places have various closures throughout the year. To be safe, it is recommended to bring a packed lunch or snacks.
What fossils can I see at Yugen Cave?
Most of the fossils have been collected for research, however many prehistoric animal fossils such as sea lilies and trilobites still remain untouched for visitors to observe behind small, see-through acrylic panels.
Is the cave wheelchair accessible?
No. The cave is narrow, has a low ceiling and uneven ground. It also only has metal staircases throughout, making it unsuitable for visitors with limited mobility.
Additional Tips
- Respect nature: Although it is a popular tourist destination, it is first and foremost a place of historic nature. Be mindful of your actions and do not take anything home with you.
- Prepare for Inclement weather: Due to its location, the weather conditions can sometimes be unpredictable. Be prepared for drops in temperature as well as strong wind gusts.
- Pack snacks or a small lunch: Due to the nature of the small town, the nearby restaurants and souvenirs shops have unannounced closures. Just in case, it's recommended to pack a small lunch during your journey to the cave.
- Combine with a visit to Sendai: With its convenient straight-shot train ride from Sendai, the city of trees is a great companion for your trip to the less beaten paths of Tohoku.
