Question 1

How do I get here from JR Tosa-Yamada Station?

Accepted Answer

From JR Tosa-Yamada Station, take Tosaden Transport bus (Yamada Station–Ryugadou line) for about 20 minutes and get off at 'Ryugadou' bus stop. By car, it is about 25 minutes from Kochi Expressway Nankoku IC.

Question 2

What is the difference between the tourist course and the adventure course?

Accepted Answer

The tourist course is a self-guided walk along an improved approximately 1 km route, taking about 40 minutes. The adventure course is a full caving experience where you wear a helmet and headlamp and explore the darkness with a navigator, taking about 90 minutes (separate fee, booking required by the previous day). There is also the 'Nishi Honzan Cave / Water Cave Course'.

Question 3

How do I book the adventure course?

Accepted Answer

The adventure course requires advance booking by the day before. Please call 0887-53-2144 to make a reservation. During summer holidays and other busy periods, the course often fills up, so early booking is recommended. Helmets and headlamps are provided. Exploration suits and rubber boots are also available for rental (additional charge).

Question 4

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

March–October: 8:30–17:00 (last entry), November–February: 8:30–16:30 (last entry). The cave is open year-round, but temporary closures may occur. Please check the official website before visiting.

Question 5

Can children enjoy it?

Accepted Answer

The sightseeing course is well-maintained, so children can enjoy it. However, parts of the cave are damp and slippery, so please wear sturdy shoes. The adventure course requires stamina, so please choose based on age and fitness level.

Question 6

What is the admission fee?

Accepted Answer

The tourist course costs ¥1,200 for adults, ¥700 for junior and senior high school students, and ¥550 for elementary school children. The adventure course requires a separate fee and advance booking. The Ryugadou Museum is free to visit.

Question 7

Can I also visit a museum?

Accepted Answer

The Ryugatsu-dō Museum, adjacent to Ryugatsu-dō cave, displays and exhibits materials and research about the cave's formation, cave-dwelling animals, and Yayoi period life. Admission is free.

Question 8

Is Ryugadou one of Japan's three largest limestone caves?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Ryugadou is known as one of Japan's three largest limestone caves and is designated as a Japanese national historic site and natural monument. It is a limestone cavern created over 175 million years, with a total length of approximately 4 km.

Question 9

What are the highlights of Ryugado Cave?

Accepted Answer

The cave interior features a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars. The "Pot of the Gods" – Yayoi period pottery fused with stalactites – is a signature sight unique to Ryugado. Since 2019, projection mapping has also been used to create new lighting and sound effects.

Question 10

Can I enjoy it on rainy days?

Accepted Answer

Ryugado Cave is an indoor (cave) facility, so you can enjoy it without problems even in the rain. It's popular as a sightseeing spot where you can tour comfortably on rainy days.

Question 11

Is there a car park?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parking is available. For details on spaces and fees, please check the official website (ryugadou.or.jp).

Question 12

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1424 Sakagawa, Tosa-Yamada, Kami City, Kochi Prefecture

Question 13

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 20 minutes by Tosaden Transportation bus bound for Ryugado Cave from JR Tosa-Yamada Station, right at the bus stop. About 25 minutes by car from Kochi Expressway Nankoku IC.

Question 14

When is the cave closed?

Accepted Answer

Open year-round (temporary closures may occur)

Question 15

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

March–October: 8:30–17:00 (last entry), November–February: 8:30–16:30 (last entry)

Question 16

Is there a car park?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parking is available. Please check the official website for details.

Question 17

What is the admission fee?

Accepted Answer

Adults ¥1,200, junior and senior high school students ¥700, elementary school children ¥550 (tourist course). The adventure course has a separate fee and requires booking.

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