The Gyokusendo cave is located inside Okinawa World Theme Park in Japan and it is often dubbed the “Illuminated Cave”. The cave is known for their gorgeous stalagmites and stalactites. In total, the cave has a length of five kilometers, making it the largest one in Okinawa. Despite the length of the cave, visitors only have access to a total of 890 meters of well lit passageways.
Okinawa World illuminated the cave artificially with coloured lights and impressive displays that make the waterfalls and pools of water look spectacular. Fish, reptiles, bugs, bats and other creatures can be seen in the cave as well.
The stalactites that have made the cave so famous grow approximately 1 mm every year and the ones in the cave are several meters high.
The cave system was discovered in 1967 by the Japan Research group of the Ehime University and it is estimated to be over 300,000 years old.
Pro tip: During summer months, from July to September, Okinawa World offers a special cave tour that lasts about 90 minutes and takes you to places not normally seen from the usual walkway.
Nearest bus stop: Gyokusendo-mae, stop for lines: 51, 54, 81, 82, 83