This 200-meter-long cave is located in central Okinawa Island.
The exciting and adventurous path showcases numerous mysterious stalactites formed over tens of thousands of years.
The highlight is the central plaza, where you can see the symbolic and auspicious "red and white" stalactites facing each other.
Enjoy the "otherworldly atmosphere" and the "fantastical space" created by the lighting effects.
Known as a lucky place since ancient times, this cave is called "Nuchishinuji Gama" in the Okinawan dialect, meaning "the cave where life was preserved."
During the Ryukyu Kingdom era, a prince from the World Heritage site Nakijin Castle escaped here during a civil war and survived.
Later, during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, about 300 local residents took refuge in this cave for three months.
They were eventually captured by American soldiers, but miraculously, no one died from combat.
Remarkably, two babies - a boy and a girl - were born inside the cave during this time.
Having saved lives twice and witnessed new births, this cave is considered an extremely auspicious place.
A limestone cave is a natural underground chamber formed in limestone rock.
Rainwater seeps into the ground, becoming groundwater that erodes and dissolves limestone over tens of thousands of years, creating these caves.
The temperature inside Okinawa's limestone caves remains constant throughout the year, ranging from 20 to 23 degrees Celsius (68 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit).
This makes the caves feel cooler than the outside air in summer and warmer in winter, providing a comfortable environment year-round.
Rainwater seeps into the ground and drips down through the limestone caves.
Over time, a chemical reaction occurs between the carbon dioxide in the rainwater and the calcium carbonate in the limestone.
This reaction slowly dissolves the limestone, forming stalactites and stalagmites.
On average, these cave formations grow at a rate of about 1 millimeter every 10 years.
In the darkness of these caves, where sunlight doesn't reach, various creatures adapted to this environment thrive.
This limestone cave is home to several unique species, including:
- Cave-dwelling horseshoe bats
- Cave geckos
- Long-arm river prawns
- Japanese mitten crabs
These animals have adapted to life in the dark, cave environment.
The Aqua Zone is a soothing space tucked away in the quiet limestone cave through which a beautiful stream flows. The sound of the murmuring stream, which sounds as though someone is caressing the surface of the water, calms the mind, while wondrous underwater lighting gently illuminates the rock surfaces and the flowing water. This mysterious landscape, woven together by light and water, brings quiet, deep emotion to visitors and soothes them. Enjoy an extraodrinary moment while experiencing the breath of nature.
Located deep within the limestone cave, the Blue World is a mysterious space illuminated by wondrous blue lighting. The rock surfaces and the surface of the water are enveloped in deep blue light, making visitors feel as though they have accidentally wandered into a fantasy world. The beautiful contrast created between the interplay of the silence and the brilliant blue glow draws visitors into an extraordinary world. Enjoy this dreamlike stage created by nature and light with all five of your senses.
Stalactite Crystals, created by unending time, is a mysterious space featuring countless magnificent stalactites hanging from the ceiling of the limestone cave. The appearance of the stalactites, which have accumulated drop by drop over tens of thousands of years, evokes the power and delicacy of nature and fascinates visitors. Light gently illuminates the rock surfaces, and the sight of their wondrous glow is truly a work of art created by nature. Feel the flow of time and the breath of nature in silence.
The cave's symbol features auspicious red and white stalactites facing each other.
The red stalactite is particularly rare and special.
It's believed that the red color comes from the red soil carried by rainwater as it seeped through the ground.
A rimstone pool is a water-filled basin surrounded by a dam-like formation of calcite.
In Japanese, it's sometimes called "Azeishi-ike" (畦石池).
These pools form when minerals in groundwater crystallize and settle along the edges of the water, gradually building up the rimstone barriers.
Calcite is a type of mineral composed of calcium carbonate. It's also known as Iceland spar.
In the world of spirituality and crystal healing, calcite is considered a powerful natural stone.
It comes in various colors, each believed to amplify different energies.
Calcite is often referred to as a "power stone," and its symbolic meaning is "hope and success."
As you approach the end of the limestone cave, you will see a Colorful World illuminated with brilliant colors. The hitherto quiet and mysterious space is transformed into a wondrous landscape woven together by light and shadow. The overwhelming beauty, created by a combination of the natural beauty of the rock formations and color, fascinates visitors, making them think they have wandered into a different world. Enjoy a moment filled with mystery and excitement created by the fusion of nature and light.
Sunlight streaming through an opening in the cave ceiling creates a magical heart-shaped illumination.
This natural wonder is said to bring luck in love to those who make a wish here.
With the right camera angle, you can capture a perfect heart shape.
It's a great photo opportunity to share with friends or on social media!
In Okinawa, there is an old, longstanding tradition that says banyan trees are inhabited by child spirits called kijimuna. This spirit loves playing pranks, and its favorite food is Okinawa's prefectural fish, gurukun (double-lined fusilier). It is said that whoever gains the favor of a kijimuna will have a happy life.
