Japan KYUSHU Tourist  ジャパン九州ツーリスト株式会社

We are the specialist’s for travel and tours in Kyushu, Japan
warmly welcoming customers from all over the world.

九州を旅行する日本人をはじめとする、世界中の人たちの旅行会社です

TEL +81 93-521-8897
FAX +81 93-521-8898
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Hiraodai Karst Plateau & Caves

 

One of the three largest karst plateau in Japan along with the Akiyoshi-dai Plateau and the 

Shikoku Karst. It is located in south-eastern part of Kitakyushu-city.  At altitudes between 

400 and 600 meters above sea level and stretching 6 km from north to south and 2 km from

east to west.  

 

     

Yougunbaru, which was so names because of the limestone which stands in row like a flock

of sheep in a vast meadow, dolines (conical hollows) and limestone caves create distinctive

scenery. The Plateau offers a different views in each of the four seasons, resembling a burnt

 field in the spring, appearing fresh and green in the early summer, and similar to a dry plain

in the fall. 

 


 

Hiraodai Countryside Park

There is 22ha of lawn square with observation platform, and a wild grass garden.

There is also a plateau fruit tree garden. Moreover, the visitor can enjoy the experience

of doing activities such as making buckwheat noodle (soba), ceramics, art flower, and

woodwork.​

 


 

Limestone Caves

 

There are three limestone Caves in Hiraodai Karst and each cave has different unique features. 

 

Senbutsu limestone Cave

The largest limestone caves in Hiraodai Karst Plateau

extending about 900 m while meandering toward the northeast. The shape of the cave is narrow,

narrow ceiling ravine with a maximum width of 10 m and a maximum ceiling height of 15 m.


 

Mejiro limestone Cave

It is the longest cave in Hiraodai Karst, over 2 km in length. The highlight of this cave is the

monolithic ceiling which is a very unique structure as a limestone caves.

 

 

 

Ojika Limestone Cave

The cave is called footfall of dinosaurs.  It is the very rare cave in Japan; the entrance is vertical

pit with 25 meter, when getting down to the bottom, you follow the underground horizontal cave

and you can see the hidden aspects of Hiraodai Karst.

 


 

Hirotani Wetland

It is the only wetland in Fukuoka Prefecture, located 600 meters west from Seiryu Cave and

2,500 m east from Hiraodai Nature Observation Center. The wetland is an important part of 

Hiraodai Karst landform, offering a variety of wetland plant life such as the Sagiso (rein orchis),

Tokiso (pogonia), and Nohanasyobu (iris).


 

Hiraodai Karst Plateau Trekking  

 


 


 

Genaral information  

Address 1-1-1 Hiraodai, Kokura-minakiku, Kitakyushu-city, Fukuoka-prefecture
Access

45 minutes by a vehicle from JR Kokura Station

80 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city

80 minutes by a vehicle from Usa

100 minutes by a vehicle from Beppu

100 minutes by a vehicle from Yufuin


 

 

 - Kitakyushu travel guide