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Otaki Limestone Cave

4.1
·2k reviews·Gujo, Japan

Explore the Otaki Limestone Cave, marveling at formations like the 'Decorated Cake' and 'Leaning Tower of Pisa.' A cool underground escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

CrowdLow
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大滝鍾乳洞

Otaki Limestone Cave

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the Otaki Limestone Cave, marveling at formations like the 'Decorated Cake' and 'Leaning Tower of Pisa.' A cool underground escape.

4.1
(2k reviews)

"The caves are super cool though!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Car is King

Buses are infrequent; a car offers the easiest access.

💰 Combo Tickets Save

Opt for the 2-cave course ticket for savings.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The "Decorated Cake"

The "Decorated Cake"

Marvel at intricate rock formations resembling a beautifully adorned cake, a testament to nature's artistry.

"Leaning Tower of Pisa"

"Leaning Tower of Pisa"

See a striking stalagmite that defies gravity, humorously nicknamed after its famous Italian counterpart.

Cave Waterfall & Statues

Cave Waterfall & Statues

Experience a unique chamber with a natural waterfall and carved statues, though be prepared to get a little wet!

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Planning Your Visit

Getting There: Plan Your Transport

Reaching Otaki Limestone Cave can be tricky without a car. Buses are infrequent, dropping you a significant walk away. Consider a taxi or rental car for easier access to this natural wonder.

Beat the Crowds & Humidity

The cave offers a cool escape from summer heat, but can get narrow. Arrive early or wait for the initial rush to pass to enjoy the formations without feeling rushed.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Cool relief from humidity
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Gujo Trip 🗓️2023年09月09日 📍Monet's Pond 📍Otaki Limestone Cave 📍Food Samples #Japan #Gifu #Gujo #ExploreJapan #ExploreGifu #japanmemories #traveldiary
rayearth.archives
13 likes • 359 views

🚗 Car is King

Buses are infrequent; a car offers the easiest access. Reddit

💰 Combo Tickets Save

Opt for the 2-cave course ticket for savings. Reddit

Descending into Otaki Limestone Cave 🪨 Gujo, Gifu Prefecture #otaki #gujo #gifu #japan
miguelfaribeiro
13 likes • 630 views
Otaki Cave is the largest limestone cave in the Tokai region. You can take a wooden cable car up to the entrance and explore the cool cave. After exploring, you can enjoy some cold nagashi somen noodles. #gujo #otakicave #travel #gifu #japan @mahalo_travel_japan
mahalo_travel_japan
10 likes • 326 views

⬆️ Cable Car Ride

Enjoy a short cable car ascent to the cave entrance. Reddit

💧 Waterfall Warning

You might get wet near the cave waterfall; dress accordingly. Reddit

Underworld⁡ ⁡Otaki Limestone Cave⁡ ⁡⁡⁡ ⁡#japan #explorejapan #cave #restory #reels #reelsoninsta #summer #otakicave #orangindonesia⁡
rizaru007
15 likes • 721 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Car is King

Buses are infrequent; a car offers the easiest access. Reddit

💰 Combo Tickets Save

Opt for the 2-cave course ticket for savings. Reddit

⬆️ Cable Car Ride

Enjoy a short cable car ascent to the cave entrance. Reddit

💧 Waterfall Warning

You might get wet near the cave waterfall; dress accordingly. Reddit

📏 Mind Your Head

Taller visitors may need to duck in narrower sections. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Otaki Limestone Cave offers unique geological formations like the 'Decorated Cake' and 'Leaning Tower of Pisa,' providing a cool escape from summer heat. While the cave itself is interesting, some visitors find the experience a bit short for the price. Access without a car can be challenging due to infrequent bus services and a long walk.

"While it’s a nice cave, I feel like it’s a bit overpriced for what you get. 600 yen would feel more reasonable for the experience. The cave itself is cool, but the exploration is over fairly quickly. Afterward, you can walk down into the forest for about 3 minutes, which is a nice touch, but again, it doesn’t take long."

Sander Tack

"Good place for family to relax.

Fishing some Ayu or Masu
Going to a Limestone Cave.

There are courses if ya wanna go for the 2 limestone cave course. There is a ticket booth there.

Beat of ya go for the course as you can save 200-300yen.
After exiting the Ootaki Limestone Cave. There is a Nagasoumen Shop for an affordable price."

MukinTukin

"I honestly wouldn’t recommend going if you don’t have a car! The bus drops you off like 40 minutes away from the actual caves and only comes 3x a day. The caves are super cool though!"

Nami Foster

What People Like

Unique rock formations
Cool escape from heat
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Perceived as overpriced
Short exploration time
Difficult access without car

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Public transport is challenging. Buses are infrequent and drop you about 40 minutes away from the caves, running only three times a day. Reddit It's highly recommended to have a car or consider a taxi for easier access.

While technically possible via bus, the limited schedule and long walk make it impractical for most visitors. Reddit A car is the most convenient option.

Driving is the most recommended method. If you don't have a car, explore taxi services or consider if a rental car is feasible for your trip. Reddit

Information on dedicated shuttle services is scarce. The primary public transport is the bus, which has limited stops and frequency. Reddit

The walk from the bus drop-off point to the actual caves can be around 40 minutes, making it a significant trek. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific prices can vary, some visitors feel the current cost is a bit high, suggesting 600 yen would be more reasonable. Reddit Consider purchasing a combined ticket for multiple caves if available, as this can offer savings. Reddit

Yes, there are often course options available, such as a '2 limestone cave course,' which can be more economical than buying individual tickets. Reddit Check at the ticket booth for the best deals.

Tickets are typically purchased at a dedicated ticket booth located at the entrance area, often near the cable car station. Reddit

Information on online booking is limited. It's generally advisable to purchase tickets on-site at the ticket booth upon arrival. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local information sources closer to your visit date to confirm current opening and closing times.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Key highlights include the 'Decorated Cake' and 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' rock formations, as well as a unique chamber featuring a waterfall and carved statues. Reddit

Yes, it's considered a good place for families to relax and explore. Reddit However, be mindful that some sections can be narrow, and taller individuals might need to duck. Reddit

The exploration of the cave itself is relatively quick, often described as being over fairly quickly. Reddit The entire visit, including the walk and any nearby forest trails, is not a lengthy excursion.

The cave provides a welcome relief from summer humidity and heat, offering a cooler environment. Reddit It's a great place to escape the outdoor temperatures.

The cave can be narrow in places, and visitors with knee problems might find the descent challenging. Reddit Taller individuals should be aware of low-hanging areas. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, after exiting the cave, there's a Nagasoumen shop offering affordable meals. Reddit This is a convenient spot to grab a bite after your cave exploration.

Nagasoumen, a type of cold noodle dish, is a popular and affordable option available at a shop near the cave exit. Reddit

Based on reviews, the Nagasoumen shop is considered affordable and a convenient dining choice after visiting the cave. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume food outside the natural cave environment to preserve its delicate ecosystem. There are dining options nearby. Reddit

Information on dedicated picnic areas is limited. The nearby forest walk might offer some spots, but the Nagasoumen shop is a more established dining option. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside the cave, but be mindful of other visitors, especially in narrow sections. Reddit The lighting can be dim, so a good camera or phone with low-light capabilities is helpful.

Capture the unique formations like the 'Decorated Cake' and 'Leaning Tower of Pisa.' The chamber with the waterfall and statues also makes for striking photos. Reddit

Due to low light, consider using a wider aperture (lower f-number) and a higher ISO setting. A tripod can be beneficial if allowed and space permits, but be mindful of the narrow passages. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's good practice to avoid using flash photography in natural cave environments to protect the delicate formations and avoid disturbing other visitors. Reddit

Drone usage is highly unlikely to be permitted inside a natural cave environment due to safety, space, and potential disturbance to the ecosystem and other visitors. Always check for specific signage or ask staff.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Otaki Limestone Cave is a good spot for families looking for a unique outing. The short exploration time means kids are less likely to get bored, and the natural formations like the 'Decorated Cake' and 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' can spark their imagination. Reddit The cave's cool temperature also provides a welcome break from the heat on a summer day. Reddit

Be prepared for narrow passages and the possibility of getting a little wet near the waterfall. Reddit Taller children might need to be reminded to watch their heads. If traveling without a car, the infrequent bus service and long walk can be a challenge with young children, so planning transport is key. Reddit The nearby Nagasoumen shop offers an affordable and convenient meal option post-cave exploration. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Car Owners

If you're traveling by car, Otaki Limestone Cave is a straightforward addition to your itinerary. Parking is generally available, and the drive directly to the cave entrance eliminates the transport hassles faced by public transport users. Reddit This allows for more flexibility in your visit, enabling you to arrive when it suits you best and spend as much time as you need. Reddit

With a car, you can easily combine the cave visit with other attractions in the region. Consider stopping at the Nagasoumen shop for a meal after your exploration. Reddit The ease of access makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the wider area, offering a unique natural wonder without significant logistical complications. Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

While some visitors feel the cave is slightly overpriced for its duration, opting for a combined ticket for multiple caves, if available, can offer better value. Reddit The Nagasoumen shop near the exit provides an affordable dining option, helping to keep overall costs down. Reddit

The main cost consideration, beyond admission, is transportation. If you don't have a car, the infrequent bus service and long walk might not be the most time-efficient or comfortable option, potentially leading to additional taxi expenses. Reddit Planning your visit during off-peak times can also contribute to a more relaxed and potentially less rushed experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating to Otaki Limestone Cave

Getting to Otaki Limestone Cave presents a logistical challenge, particularly for those without a private vehicle. The infrequent bus service is a significant hurdle, with routes running only three times a day and leaving visitors with a substantial 40-minute walk to reach the cave entrance. Reddit This makes spontaneous visits difficult and requires careful planning around the bus schedule. Many visitors strongly advise having a car for a more convenient and flexible experience. Reddit

For those relying on public transport, it's crucial to research the bus timetable thoroughly in advance. Consider combining the visit with other nearby attractions if you are making the long journey. Alternatively, exploring local taxi services might offer a more direct, albeit potentially more expensive, route to the cave. The effort to reach the cave is often rewarded by its unique natural beauty, but the journey itself is a key consideration for planning your trip. Reddit

Experiencing the Cave's Unique Formations

Otaki Limestone Cave is renowned for its distinctive rock formations, with two particularly notable ones earning memorable nicknames. The 'Decorated Cake' formation showcases intricate, layered structures that resemble a beautifully adorned dessert, highlighting the slow, artistic work of mineral deposits over millennia. Reddit Equally fascinating is the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa,' a stalagmite that dramatically tilts, creating a visually striking and somewhat humorous natural sculpture. Reddit

Beyond these iconic features, the cave also holds a chamber with a natural waterfall, adding an auditory and visual element to the underground experience. This area is also adorned with carved statues, blending natural wonder with a touch of human artistry. Visitors should be aware that the proximity to the waterfall means there's a chance of getting wet, so appropriate attire is recommended. Reddit The cave's formations, though impressive, are explored relatively quickly, making it a visit that can be completed in a shorter timeframe. Reddit

Practicalities for Your Cave Visit

When visiting Otaki Limestone Cave, several practical aspects are worth noting to ensure a comfortable experience. The cave offers a significant respite from the summer heat and humidity, making it an ideal destination during warmer months. Reddit However, the cave's passages can be narrow, which might be challenging for some visitors, especially if there's a queue. To mitigate this, some suggest waiting at the entrance for the initial group to move through before entering, allowing for a more unhurried exploration. Reddit

For taller individuals, ducking may be necessary in certain sections to avoid hitting their heads. Reddit Additionally, those with knee problems might find the descent within the cave a bit strenuous. Reddit While photography is generally allowed, be considerate of others and the environment. The cave tour is relatively short, and after exiting, there's a nearby Nagasoumen shop offering affordable meals, providing a convenient dining option. Reddit

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