Okinawa's largest cave is also one of the largest in all of Japan. Gyokusendo Cave is at - really under - Okinawa World theme park in Nanjo City. Visitors can walk through the cave along an 850 meter long walkway that is built just above the cavern floor. There are many displays within the cave, a few benches to sit on along the way, and an underground river running along the pathway. The cave may not be for everyone as the humidity hovers around 80% and the pathway is extremely narrow at multiple points. Okinawa World is located on Route 17 in Nanjo City; bus lines 51, 54, 81, 82 and 83 stop at the Gyokusendo-mae stop near the park. Entry to Okinawa World is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children; the price of admission to the Gyokusendo Cave is another 600 yen and 300 yen charge respectively. The park is open 09:00 ~ 18:00 daily.
- 1 min read
Gyokusendo Cave
Okinawa's Largest Cave & One of the Largest in Japan
![Michael Flemming Michael Flemming](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/1014/240x240!/565e87cb67ba810c868b6487.jpg)
Community writer
![Gyokusendo Cave can be traversed along an 850 meter long elevated pathway](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/4501-28820/1000/okinawa-gyokusendo-cave-28820.jpg)
Gyokusendo Cave can be traversed along an 850 meter long elevated pathway
![While there are grand caverns along the pathway, most of the cave is much narrower and the humidity is about 80%](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/4501-28821/1000/okinawa-gyokusendo-cave-28821.jpg)
While there are grand caverns along the pathway, most of the cave is much narrower and the humidity is about 80%
![Many of the stalagmites and other cave formations are named but only in Japanese](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/4501-28822/1000/okinawa-gyokusendo-cave-28822.jpg)
Many of the stalagmites and other cave formations are named but only in Japanese
![Gyokusendo Cave contains an underground river](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/4501-28817/1000/okinawa-gyokusendo-cave-28817.jpg)
Gyokusendo Cave contains an underground river
![Aquarium displays contain fish and crawfish native to the river inside Gyokusendo; the fish can also be seen in the river](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/4501-28818/1000/okinawa-gyokusendo-cave-28818.jpg)
Aquarium displays contain fish and crawfish native to the river inside Gyokusendo; the fish can also be seen in the river
![An escalator replaces the endless stairwell at the exit of the 850 meter long cave](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/4501-28819/1000/okinawa-gyokusendo-cave-28819.jpg)
An escalator replaces the endless stairwell at the exit of the 850 meter long cave
Join the discussion
That's a great point Kathryn. Cool temperatures, 100% humidity, cold wet rock, and total darkness could be really dangerous. I'm sticking with Gyokusendo.
Kathryn Spoor
11 years ago
Gyokusendo Cave is one of the best opportunities visitors to Okinawa will have of safely experiencing one of the island's beautiful underground caves. This is a must see but as was mentioned in the article is not for everyone. Also be sure to choose your footwear carefully as it can at times be slick and the path a bit uneven as the cave continues to form around (and sometimes even on) the pathway.
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Pokémon Sleep Comes to Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Tokyo -
2
Kamakura: A Memorable Summer Getaway
Kanagawa -
3
Nintendo Museum Coming Autumn 2024
Kyoto -
4
Relaxing at the Nomazaki Lighthouse
Aichi -
5
Exploring the Ryūgashidō Cavern
Shizuoka -
6
Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea
Chiba -
7
Baba Ramen: Hands-on Cooking Workshop
Tokyo - Sponsored -
8
SUSHI Making Experience JOY ASAKUSA
Tokyo -
9
Gorgeous Genbudo
Hyogo -
10
Minamiboso Tateyama Stay
Chiba
-
1
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
2
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
3
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
Tokyo -
4
Tenjin Matsuri
Osaka -
5
Adachi Fireworks
Tokyo -
6
A Guide to Japanese Visas
Planning -
7
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
8
Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi
Tokyo -
9
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
10
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping