I went to the “Irimizu Limestone Cave” where you can explore like the Hiroshi Kawaguchi Expedition in the Wednesday Special.

“Abukuma Cave” and “Irimizu Limestone Cave” are limestone caves located in Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture. Abukuma Cave was discovered in a limestone quarry in 1969 and opened to the public in 1973. Abukuma Cave is an underground space that was created over a long period of 80 million years, the total length of the cave is about 3,300m, of which 720m is open to the public. The number and variety of stalactites created by the groundwater of the limestone cave are said to be No. 1 in the East.

Water droplets containing dissolved limestone fall little by little from the ceiling of the limestone cave, and gradually crystallize over a long period of time to create stalactites of various shapes. “Icicle stones” hanging from the ceiling, “stalagmites” extending from the floor to the ceiling, “stone pillars” where “icicle stones” and “stalagmites” are connected, “flowing stones” covering the walls, etc. they are classified according to their direction and shape. It is said that it takes 100 years for an icicle stone to grow 1 cm, while it takes 3 times longer for a stalagmite to grow 1 cm.

Abukuma Cave

Abukuma Cave has a 600m general course and a 120m exploration course. The expedition course is divided from the middle of the general course, and you can experience a more exploratory feeling by crouching in narrow spaces and crossing log ladders and stepping stones.

The largest underground space in Abukuma Cave, “Takine Goten” Palace is 30 meters high, and when you step into it, you will be enveloped in a fantastic and mysterious feeling. As an annual winter event, music concerts of various genres are held, and you can enjoy performances played with natural acoustics.

The final part of the fantastic world of Abukuma Cave is the space called “Moon World”. Most types of stalactites can be observed, and the light production using the dimming system is very popular.

Illuminations are set up near the entrance and exit of Abukuma Cave during the winter season, so you can enjoy a fantastic collaboration with the limestone cave.

Irimizu Limestone Cave

Irimizu Limestone Cave, located about 10 minutes by car from Abukuma Cave, is designated as a national natural monument. It was discovered in 1927. Unlike ordinary limestone cave sightseeing, it is a limestone cave where you can feel like an expeditionary team as you go deep into the cave without electricity while getting wet in the cold underground water with a water temperature of 10 degrees.

The interior of the 900m-long Irimizu Limestone Cave is divided into three courses, A, B, and C, from the entrance to the deepest part. The first 150m A course can be entered in casual clothes, and there is electricity, so you will hardly get wet.

B course of the next 450m is a world of darkness without electricity. With a candle or flashlight, you will be knee-deep in cold water as you walk through the crevices of the limestone cave, crawl on all fours, and proceed to the back. If you don’t wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet, you won’t be able to reach the final point, Pumpkin Rock. You can enjoy thrilling adventures all the way to Pumpkin Rock.

The deepest 300m C course requires a guide and is for those who want to enjoy it as a hobby or as a sport. Caving equipment is required, and the number of people who can accompany you at one time is limited to 5 people.

You can rent candles, raincoats, rubber sandals, etc. at the ticket office, but you will need to change your clothes after leaving the limestone cave as your underwear will get wet. The candles may go out in the middle, so it is better to bring a headlight, a hat and gloves.

Access to Abukuma Cave

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from JR Tokyo Station to JR Koriyama Station by Tohoku Shinkansen. Transfer to the JR Banetsu East Line at JR Koriyama Station and it takes about 45 minutes to JR Kanmata Station. About 10 minutes by taxi from JR Kanmata Station.

Access to Irimizu Limestone Cave

It takes about 40 minutes from JR Koriyama Station to JR Sugaya Station by JR Banetsu East Line. About 30 minute-walk from JR Sugaya Station. or about 5 minutes by taxi.