Discovering Gyokusendo cave

Gyokusendo Cave, beneath Okinawa World theme park, was discovered in 1967, and it’s estimated to be around 300,000 years old. The cave extends over 5 kilometers, making it one of the longest cave systems in Japan, but only about 890 meters are open to the public. Walking through the cave, I was mesmerized by the thousands of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millennia. The way they’re illuminated with strategically placed lights creates a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world.

When my husband and I visited Gyokusendo Cave in late September as part of our Okinawa itinerary, we were seeking a break from Okinawa’s tropical heat. Inside, the cave maintains a constant cool temperature of 21°C, providing a refreshing respite from the outdoor heat.

Inside the Gyokusendo Cave

The path through Gyokusendo Cave is well-maintained and easy to navigate, with railings and steps in steeper sections. The sound of dripping water and the sight of small streams and pools add to the cave’s serene beauty. I was impressed by the careful balance between preserving the caves natural state and making it accessible to visitors. The lighting is subtle, highlighting the formations without overwhelming them or disrupting the cave’s natural ambiance.

The cave is a sanctuary of spectacular rock formations, with hundreds of thousands of stalactites and stalagmites adorning its interior. The path winds its way through this subterranean landscape, past turquoise pools of the Ao-no-izumi spring and alongside an underground river.

The strategically placed lighting illuminates the cave’s features, creating a magical ambiance. These lights show the small details in the rocks and also show different colors on the cave walls.

Natural Features

Asia’s Grand Hall – This is a giant underground room lined with stalagmites 2 meters high. The Grand Hall is 20 meters wide and 80 meters deep and can encompass a six-story building.

Variety of speleothems – There are many speleothems formed by dripping water, by water flowing over walls and floors and streams of water.

Fossils of Ryukyu jika (extinct deer) – A deer which inhabited the Ryukyu archipelago until about 30,000 years ago.

Navigating the Cave

The cave has a steel walkway with railings and steps where needed. We found the path to be slightly wet and slippery in places, so good walking shoes and caution were essential. It was still accessible and gives us plenty of chances to stop, glean knowledge from the infographics, and snap pictures with our phones along the way. The cave’s layout cleverly concludes with an escalator, sparing visitors the climb back up the entrance stairs.

With all the stops along the way, it took around 40 minutes to explore Gyokusendo Cave. For those planning to visit, I recommend going early or during off-peak times to avoid crowds.

And while the cave’s natural lighting allows for some photography, large equipment like tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed here.

Useful Information

Final thoughts on Gyokusendo Cave

The visit to the Gyokusendo Cave was an incredible experience that showed us a different side of Okinawa. It’s not just a cool place to escape the heat, but a journey into a beautiful and ancient underground world.

When you are next in Okinawa, do make sure to add it to your itinerary.

Gyokusendo Cave is located within the Okinawa World, and the ticket to the theme park also includes entry to the cave system. You cannot pay for it separately, so you might as well enjoy the rest of the park too. You’ll love it!

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