Nature & Hike · Nippara / Okutama

Nippara Limestone Cave 日原鍾乳洞

The largest limestone cave in the Kanto region, deep in Okutama's mountains. An 800 m lit route takes you through cathedral-like chambers, a "Pond of Hell" and a "Rainbow Hall", and it stays about 11°C all year.

About

Nippara Cave has been a place of mountain worship since the Kamakura era, when yamabushi ascetics trained in its dark chambers. Today an 800-metre walkway with stairs and colourful lighting leads past stalactites, stalagmites and a series of vast chambers given names from Buddhist cosmology, such as the River of Three Crossings, the Pond of Hell and Kobo Daishi's hall. A newer branch climbs into the colourfully lit Shindo section. Since the cave stays a steady 11°C, it feels cold in summer and warm in winter. The approach is through the dramatic Nippara gorge, about 30 minutes by bus from Okutama Station. It's a memorable, slightly adventurous trip that few visitors take.

Highlights

• The largest limestone cave in Kanto, with 800 m of walkways
• Huge chambers with names like Pond of Hell and the River of Three Crossings
• A colourfully lit newer section in the cave's upper level
• A constant 11°C, cool in summer
• A dramatic gorge approach through the Okutama mountains

Tips

• Take the Nishi Tokyo bus from Okutama Station towards Higashi-Nippara (about 25 min) and walk 15 min, or ride to Nippara Shonyudo on weekends when buses run there.
• Bring a jacket even in summer and wear grippy shoes. Stairs are wet.
• Last entry is around 16:30. Leave plenty of time for infrequent buses.
• Closed over New Year (Dec 30–Jan 3).

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Okutama StationTransit Hub · 7.0 km away
• Okutama Tourist Information CenterTourist Info · 7.0 km away
• Lake Okutama (Ogouchi Dam)Beach & Waterfront · 7.1 km away
• Okutama Visitor CenterTourist Info · 7.1 km away
• Mt. KumotoriNature & Hike · 8.7 km away
• Mugiyama Floating Bridge (Lake Okutama)Local Secret · 8.7 km away
• Hatonosu GorgeNature & Hike · 9.1 km away
• Mitake Rock GardenNature & Hike · 11.4 km away