About This Tour
Special Natural Monument:Akiyoshido

Guided by the gentle glow of bamboo lights, this tour invites you
to experience the history and natural beauty of Akiyoshido Cave.
Designated as a Special Natural Monument, Akiyoshido is a world-renowned natural and cultural heritage site,
beloved for its magnificent limestone formations.
However, in recent years, environmental issues have emerged—most notably the discoloration of the 15-meter-tall “Golden Pillar,”
caused by the growth of algae and bacteria, largely attributed to artificial lighting.

To address this, the tour turns off the cave’s conventional lighting and uses only environmentally friendly bamboo lights.
Darkness is the cave’s original natural condition, and through the soft illumination of bamboo light,
visitors can experience the authentic mystique of Akiyoshido.
Yamaguchi Prefecture ranks fourth nationwide in bamboo forest area, where bamboo overgrowth has become a serious issue.
By utilizing locally harvested bamboo for illumination, this project reduces environmental impact while contributing to conservation efforts.

Throughout the tour, expert guides provide insights into the cave’s geological formation, historical significance,
and its designation as a natural monument, offering a deeper cultural understanding beyond visual appreciation.
A portion of the tour’s revenue will be reinvested into environmental conservation efforts for Akiyoshido Cave and the Akiyoshidai Plateau.