Makido Cave
Explore a 450m limestone cave with a lake, featuring vibrant lighting and dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Makido Cave
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a 450m limestone cave with a lake, featuring vibrant lighting and dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.
"It's so beautiful inside with the colorful lights. You can take a photo anywhere, it's all beautiful!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for navigating narrow, steep, and low-ceilinged passages. You'll be crouching a lot!
💳 Cashless Payment Only
Ticket machines accept ICOCA and other cashless options. Bring your card!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.1 · 1,493 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Illuminated Limestone Formations
Main Cave Walkway
Marvel at stunning stalactites and stalagmites, beautifully lit in vibrant colors, creating a surreal underground landscape.
Underground Lake
Back of the Cave
Discover a serene underground lake, adding a tranquil element to the cave's dramatic geological features.
Art Installations (Seasonal)
Various Sections
Experience unique art installations, like those from the Forest Art Festival, transforming the cave into a temporary gallery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Cashless Payments & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for navigating narrow, steep, and low-ceilinged passages. You'll be crouching a lot!
💳 Cashless Payment Only
Ticket machines accept ICOCA and other cashless options. Bring your card!
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The colorful lighting makes every spot photogenic. Take your time to capture the beauty.
🚗 Remote Location
It's a drive to get here. Consider visiting if you're already in the area.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for navigating narrow, steep, and low-ceilinged passages. You'll be crouching a lot!
💳 Cashless Payment Only
Ticket machines accept ICOCA and other cashless options. Bring your card!
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The colorful lighting makes every spot photogenic. Take your time to capture the beauty.
🚗 Remote Location
It's a drive to get here. Consider visiting if you're already in the area.
🚇 Bus from Niimi/Ikura
Public transport is available from Niimi and Ikura stations. Check bus schedules!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Makido Cave for its stunning, colorful illuminated formations and the unique underground lake. It's a refreshing escape from summer heat and offers excellent photo opportunities. However, some find the cave's remote location and the need to crouch in narrow passages inconvenient.
"Beautiful place hidden away in the mountains. I come here often for a small adventure into its ancient caves and the natural wonder of the seasons. A wonderful authentic place to visit and a hidden gem of the locals."
Loki Kuroi
"I went here in summer time, and it was cool inside- I even felt cold! So it’s a very good place to escape the summer heat. It's so beautiful inside with the colorful lights. You can take a photo anywhere, it’s all beautiful! Since it can get narrow and some parts are steep, it’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes. Also some parts are low, and you have to go through with your body crouched, so be careful."
yu
"Nice big caves but need a lot of crouching to get through. From the car park to the cave entrance there is short steep hill where you buy your ticket from the machine. Only cashless payment accepted was ICOCA.
It takes about 20 mins to get through the whole cave."
Pachi Kooki
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Makido Cave is located in a remote area. You can drive there, or take a bus from Niimi Station or Ikura Station. Bus schedules are available and can be checked using Google Maps.
Yes, there is a parking lot available for visitors. It can accommodate around 100 cars.
Yes, public transportation is an option. Buses run from Niimi and Ikura stations, with a bus stop conveniently located in front of the train station.
The travel time by bus from Niimi Station to Makido Cave can vary, but it's advisable to check the specific bus schedule for accurate timing.
While accessible by public transport, the cave is situated in the middle of nowhere, making it a significant drive for many.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Makido Cave is 1000 yen.
Makido Cave is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM.
Tickets can be purchased from a machine at the cave entrance. It's recommended to check if advance booking is necessary, especially during peak seasons or special events.
The ticket machines primarily accept cashless payments, such as ICOCA.
Information on discounts is not readily available, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter or checking their official website if available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Exploring the entire cave, including stops for photos, can take well over an hour. The walk through the cave itself is about 20 minutes.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended due to the uneven terrain, narrow passages, and the need to crouch.
The cave is nicely lit and features spoken guides, making the exploration informative and engaging.
The cave has narrow and steep sections, and requires crouching. It may not be suitable for individuals with significant mobility challenges.
Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged as the cave is beautiful with colorful lighting.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire cave offers stunning photo opportunities due to the colorful lighting and unique formations. The underground lake area is particularly picturesque.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to use natural light or indirect flash to protect the cave formations and avoid disturbing other visitors.
A camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens would be beneficial to capture the expansive formations and colorful lighting.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
Tripods might be difficult to maneuver in the narrow passages. Consider a monopod or a camera with good image stabilization for handheld shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit