Ryugashido Cave, a popular destination visited by approximately 200,000 people annually, is introduced here.

This article was created on January 19, 2026.

We visited Ryugashido Cave, located in Tabatake, Inasa-cho, Hamana Ward, Hamamatsu City.

Ranked among the top in “Japan’s Most Popular Limestone Cave and Cave Rankings,” Ryugashido Cave is one of the largest limestone caves in the Tokai region.

The total length of the cave exceeds 1,000 meters (with approximately 400 meters open to the public), and the stalactites inside are still growing today.

The temperature inside the cave is kept at around 18°C throughout the year, making it cool in summer and warm in winter.

It is an attraction that can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.

Ryugashido Cave, a popular destination visited by approximately 200,000 people annually, is introduced here.

What kind of place is Ryugashido Cave?

Ryugashido Cave was discovered in 1981 by cave enthusiasts.

It was opened to the public in 1983 and is now celebrating its 43rd year.

The “Ryugashido Cave Exploration and Development History,” which tells the story from its discovery to its development, is exhibited as a “Cave Museum” near the exit of the cave route.

Inside the cave, which features beautiful stalactites formed over 250 million years, visitors can enjoy natural formations such as “Maria Kannon,” “Phoenix Room,” and “Treasure of Stone Pillars.”

The stalactites continue to grow slowly even today, shaped over a long span of time.

As a playful touch by the staff, two decorative swords are displayed in the cave.

Their exact locations are a secret, so be sure to look for them as you explore the cave!

Ryugashido Cave also offers a variety of facilities beyond the cave itself.

The “Exit Shop” and “Travel Souvenir Shop” offer original products that can only be purchased here.

In the garden area, “Yokita-do” changes its use depending on the season—serving as a cold foot bath in summer and transforming into a cave illumination display in winter.

“MATERIA,” which sells ice cream that was selected as No.1 by bus guides in Shizuoka Prefecture, is also popular for its ice cream made with fresh local ingredients.

Photo courtesy of Ryugashido Cave

Ryugashido Cave Highlights Guide

The cave route, which is approximately 400 meters long, features 45 highlights.

A walk through the cave takes about 30 minutes, or around 45 minutes during busy periods.

There are many photogenic spots inside the cave, so be sure to capture the beautiful stalactite formations as you explore.

Photo courtesy of Ryugashido Cave

Highlight 1: “Golden Great Waterfall,” One of Japan’s Largest Underground Waterfalls

The first highlight is the “Golden Great Waterfall,” one of the largest underground waterfalls in Japan, located just past the turnaround point inside the cave.

Photo courtesy of Ryugashido Cave

The water cascades down from a height of 30 meters, creating a powerful and impressive view.

Illuminated from below, the large droplets sparkle beautifully, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Photo courtesy of Ryugashido Cave

Highlight 2: “Yokita-do” — Cold Foot Bath Area in Summer, Cave Illumination in Winter

The natural cool-air attraction “Yokita-do” is a facility where visitors can enjoy a cold foot bath area and natural cool-air bathing.

Going down the steps, visitors will find an area where they can enjoy cooling their feet, and in the summer many people visit to escape the heat.

Going down the steps, visitors will find an area where they can enjoy cooling their feet, and in the summer many people visit to escape the heat.

“Yokita Towel,” for wiping sweat and feet, is available for purchase at the shop.

The facility is open from April to October and can be enjoyed free of charge.

From November to March, the cave behind “Yokita-do” is decorated with illumination lights.

It is open to the public free of charge as “Den-shoku Tsuchi-hotaru,” where a cave section of approximately 20 meters is beautifully illuminated in blue.

Highlight 3: Bat Feeding Time Observation

Have you ever seen bats up close?

At the entrance of Ryugashido Cave, there is a small breeding facility where visitors can observe bats resting upside down indoors or flying around.

During the staff-guided feeding time, you can discover a new side of these animals and see them in a different light.

The bats kept at this facility are “rousette fruit bats,” a species native to Southeast Asia.

As their name suggests, they love sweet fruit.

Watching them being fed fruit directly by the staff is an especially charming sight.

Photo courtesy of Ryugashido Cave

The fruit bats, known for their round eyes and adorable shape, are very popular.

In spring, visitors can even see baby bats clinging tightly to their mothers—an especially cute sight.

Bat feeding time takes place daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The show lasts about 20 minutes.

During the cold season, the bats are in hibernation and sleep inside holes in the ceiling near the water area.

On this occasion, we were given special permission to take photos and were able to see their adorable appearance up close.

Highlight 4: A Wide Selection of Original Souvenirs

Ryugashido Cave offers a rich variety of original souvenirs.

Let’s take a look at the most popular items!

No. 1: Sake Manju

A light and simple bun filled with smooth red bean paste (koshi-an).

The sake lees used in this product are sourced from Hamamatsu Shuzo Co., Ltd.

Enjoy it with a cup of green tea.

No. 2: Kawara Senbei

A crispy, crunchy rice cracker. It also pairs perfectly with green tea.

No. 3: Ryugashi

A special fugashi (traditional sweet) with a milk caramel flavor.

Each piece is approximately 80–85 cm long, making it very satisfying to eat.

No. 4: Bat Plush Toy

The “Ryugashido Cave Bat” plush toy allows you to spread or fold its wing membranes, so you can enjoy arranging it in your own favorite way.

Magnets are attached to the soles of its feet, allowing you to display it upside down, just like a real bat.

The curved wing membrane is carefully handcrafted, making each piece slightly unique.

It is recommended as a souvenir to remember your visit to Ryugashido Cave.

No. 5: MATERIA Ice Cream (Takeout Available)

This ice cream was selected as No. 1 by bus guides in Shizuoka Prefecture.

MATERIA’s ice cream is made with fresh local ingredients, including regional milk, blueberries, and powdered green tea.

The most popular flavor is “White Cream,” made with Inasa milk. Its rich, creamy milk flavor leaves a lingering taste of deliciousness.

Ryugashido Cave Facilities & Services

Restrooms: Available near the souvenir shop

Nursing Room: Not available

Rest Area: Available

Accessibility (Barrier-free access inside the cave): Not available
Note: There are stairs near the Golden Waterfall area.
Some sections inside the cave are paved with handrails and non-slip metal flooring.

Shops: 2 locations available

Light Meals: Available (inside the Travel Souvenir Shop)

Free Wi-Fi: Available

Charging Stations: Not available

Coin Lockers: Available

Pet Cages: Available

Wheelchairs: Available for loan
Note: Wheelchairs cannot be used inside the cave due to steps and uneven terrain.

Smoking Area: Not available

Photo Spots: Available

Crowd Information at Ryugashido Cave

On days when the temperature exceeds 30°C, there may be a waiting time of around 30 minutes.

Ryugashido Cave Information

Address: 193 Tabatake, Inasa-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu City

Phone: 053-543-0108

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Open year-round)

Admission:
Adults / High school students: ¥1,000
Junior high school students: ¥600
Elementary school students: ¥600
Group discounts available

Reservations: Groups of 20 or more are required to make a reservation in advance to secure bus parking.

Official Website: https://doukutu.co.jp/

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryugashido/

Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ryugashido

Access
🚗 By Car
◎ About 10 minutes from Hamamatsu Inasa IC on the Shin-Tomei Expressway
◎ About 30 minutes from Hamamatsu Nishi IC on the Tomei Expressway
◎ About 30 minutes from Mikkabi IC on the Tomei Expressway

🚌 By Bus
◎ From JR Hamamatsu Station
Take the Entetsu Bus bound for Okuyama from Bus Stop No. 15 at Hamamatsu Bus Terminal. Get off at “Ryugashido Iriguchi” (about 1 hour), then a 7-minute walk.

🚃 From Tenryu Hamanako Railroad
Get off at Kanasashi Station, then take the bus bound for Okuyama (about 15 minutes). Get off at “Ryugashido Entrance,” then a 7-minute walk.

Parking: Free (25 buses / 500 passenger cars)

Nearby Attractions Around Ryugashido Cave

Ryotanji Temple

The area around Ryugashido Cave is home to several sightseeing spots where visitors can experience the history of Hamamatsu.

＜Recommended Spots＞
・Ryotanji Temple
・Hokoji Temple

We hope you will enjoy these attractions along with your visit to Ryugashido Cave.

Looking for activities in Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana?
↓↓ Check out here ↓↓

Yaramaika Tourism

Message to Readers from Assistant Director of Ryugashido Cave, Mr. Satoshi Aziro

Photo courtesy of Ryugashido Cave

Because the cave was formed by rainwater over a very long period of time, its appearance remains unchanged no matter when you visit.

If you take your time to explore not only the cave but also the surrounding area, you may discover geological layers and living creatures.

As it is located not far from the city center, we would be happy if you could stop by during a break in your drive.

In this article, we introduced Ryugashido Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in the Tokai region.

Located about 45 minutes from central Hamamatsu, it’s an easy and enjoyable short trip.

Ryugashido Cave also offers a special “Goraido” certificate, issued at only two limestone caves in Japan.

We hope you’ll have the chance to visit and experience it for yourself!

*The information in this article is subject to change.

[With thanks to Ryugashido Cave for their cooperation and for providing some of the photos]