Local Column

COLUMN

Thorough comparison of Ishigaki Island limestone caves and Sabichi limestone caves! Also introduces limestone caves in the surrounding islands!

2025-07-23 02:00

Hello everyone!

 

Did you know that there are several limestone caves on Ishigaki Island?

 

In this article.A thorough comparison of Ishigakijima Cave and Sabichi Cave!The limestone caves of Iriomote Island are also introduced!

 

『相葉さんの大冒険』で話題!
石垣島でしか味わえない
リアル冒険

2025年8月2日よりPrime Videoで配信される『相葉さんの大冒険』The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

 

第2部では、相葉くんが石垣島を舞台に自然の中で本気の冒険に挑む姿が描かれます。

 

実はその石垣島、私たちADVENTURE PiPiでも“本物の冒険”が体験できるアクティビティが盛りだくさんなんです!

 

番組を見て「行ってみたい!」と思ったあなたにぴったりの、石垣島のリアル冒険体験をご紹介します。

 

Ishigakijima limestone cave and
Compare Sabichi Cave

Sabichi Cave

Ishigakijima Cave and Sabichi CaveThe biggest difference is the scaleIt is.

 

Ishigaki Island limestone caves areIshigaki Island's largest limestone cave with a total length of 3.2kmIt is.

 

The places that are open to the public are660mAlthough there are only a few stalactites, stalactites of various shapes and lengths can be seen in the cave.

 

Sabichi Cave is only 230 meters long, less than half of Ishigaki Island's limestone caves.

Ishigakijima limestone cave

Sabichi Cave is a submarine uplift.It is a limestone cave that was created about 270 million years ago, the same time Ishigaki Island was formed.

 

Therefore, the cave hasShako Mussel Shelland ... andDabane coral and other fossilsand you can realize that the limestone caves used to be under the sea.

Ishigakijima limestone cave

There are also significant differences in the landscape.

 

Ishigaki Island limestone caves areFairy Tale PlazaIn a place calledWorld's first limestone cave illuminationenjoy.

 

At Sabichi Cave, visitors can penetrate through the stalactite caves,The destination is a stunningly beautiful emerald green sea.will fill your field of vision.

 

Both are attractive in their own way.

What is Ishigakijima Cave?

Ishigakijima limestone cave

Located between Banna Park and the cityIshigaki Island's largest limestone caveIt is.

 

As we stroll through the limestone cavesYou can enjoy the outdoor weather without worrying about it.

 

Not to mention the natural beauty of the stalactites,Fantastic glow of the world's first limestone cave illuminationis an inspiration to visitors.

Ishigakijima limestone cave

Since it was formed by water erosion, the sound of dripping water in the suikinkutsu and stalactites that resemble Totoro,You can enjoy the mysterious world that spreads beneath the ground.

 

In the vicinity.cafeteriaand ... andOrchard experience classSince there are alsoYou can spend half a day around Ishigaki Island limestone caves!

 

Ishigakijima limestone cave
Recommendations

Fairy Tale Plaza

Ishigakijima limestone cave

It is famous as the place where you can see the world's first limestone cave illumination.

 

The collaboration of illuminated stalactites and illuminations is a must-see.

 

sake brewery

Ishigakijima limestone cave

There is a sake brewery inside a limestone cave.

 

The customer who purchases Awamori will have the Awamori laid down for the desired period of time, and when the Awamori has become old sake, it will be shipped.

 

Drinking sake laid down in a limestone cave is also a valuable experience.

 

Forest of Sculptures of the Gods

Ishigakijima limestone cave

Visitors can see stalactites of various shapes and sizes.

 

The stalactite stone tubes extending from below, shaped like Kannon or the Seven Gods of Good FortuneForest of Sculptures of the GodsThey are called.

 

Totoro stalactite

Ishigakijima limestone cave

There is a stalactite that resembles Totoro, the famous character in the Ghibli movie, and is the most photographed spot in Ishigakijima limestone caves.

Ishigakijima Cave Basic Information
Spot NameIshigaki Island Cave : Ishigaki Island Cave
address (e.g. of house):1666 Aza-Ishigaki, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access10 min. by car from the terminal
parking lotYes (35 cars can be parked)
Business Hours
9:00-18:30 (last admission at 18:00)

admission feeAdults ¥1080, Children ¥540

 

What is Sabichi Cave?

Sabichi Cave

Sabichi limestone caves areThese limestone caves were created by crustal movement about 270 million years ago.

 

Rare in Japan,Known as "limestone caves that pass through to the seaThe sea can be seen from inside the limestone caves.

 

Because it is a limestone cave created at the bottom of the seaShell fossils and other fossils are often found.

 

Sabichi Cave
Recommendations

Ponds inhabited by giant eels

Sabichi Cave

In the pond just after entering the limestone caveThere are stories of large eels living in the area.

 

If you want to see if it is true, look hard and look for it.

 

stone with icicle-shaped face and large stones placed on it (e.g. on a rock face)

Sabichi Cave

In the icicle stones hanging from the ceiling of the limestone cave,Precious shell and coral fossils that existed in prehistoric times may be mixed in.

 

Let's take a closer and closer look.

 

handicraft

Sabichi Cave

Inside the limestone caves are art works, an urn called geeshigami, a salted pork called suchikigami, and a Yaeyama ware jar in which Awamori (a type of rice wine) is matured.

 

It has become one of the best places for cave exploration.

 

The sea beyond the limestone caves

Sabichi Cave

Speaking of Sabichi Cave, the beautiful sea is just beyond the limestone caves.

 

The emerald green transparent sea is,The attraction of passing through a limestone cave will make it even more beautiful.

 

strangely shaped rocks

サビチ鍾乳洞近くの奇岩

If you go out to the sea and go around the beach to the right, you can seeThis turtle-shaped rock is famous as a power spot for happiness.

 

Please check the rock and be happy.

Sabichi Cave Basic Information
Spot NameSabichi Cave
address (e.g. of house): 185 Ibaruma, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
AccessApproximately 40 minutes by car from the terminal
parking lotYes (not maintained)
Business Hours9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
admission fee1,250 yen

 

Iriomote Island's limestone caves

Ishigakijima limestone cave

Iriomote Island, Ishigaki Island's neighbor, also has many limestone caves remaining.

 

The most famous limestone caves in Iriomote Island areQura CaveIt is.This is a spot where three limestone caves are linked together.

 

Depending on the direction of entry, the first three gradually become larger as you enter from the entrance on the left.

 

How to get to the limestone caves of Iriomote Island

Qura Caveis located north of the Omija River, and one must walk through the forest to visit the limestone caves.

 

thereforetrekking tourand ... andcaving tourThe visit will be a participation in such activities as

西表島鍾乳洞

andNot a tourist destinationAlthough there are no business hours because of thePlease do not visit alone as it is very dangerous, especially at night.

 

The limestone caves of Iriomote Island
Recommendations

3 series of caves

西表島鍾乳洞

Speaking of limestone caves in Iriomote IslandIt would be the third consecutive limestone cave.

 

The first is a large limestone cave with an entrance that an adult can walk straight through, but the second, smaller limestone cave requires bending down, and the third is so narrow that the exit is a crawl from the powerful entrance!The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

 

Because the field is completely unimproved and unspoiled by nature,It is sure to be a memorable part of your adventure on Iriomote Island!

 

 

Ishigaki Island Recommendation
5 activities

We have introduced limestone caves, but limestone caves are not the only attraction of Ishigaki Island!

 

Ishigaki Island hasMany attractive activitiesPlease refer to the following for more information.Make the best of your trip to Ishigaki Island!

 

Activities on Ishigaki Island
(1) Blue Cave Snorkeling

石垣島の青の洞窟

Blue Cave, located near Yonehara Beach in the northern part of Ishigaki Island, is a popular snorkeling spot.

 

The surrounding sea is home to colorful fish and coral reefs,It can be enjoyed by small children and adults alike.

石垣島 青の洞窟 シュノーケリング

On Ishigaki IslandOnly the Blue Cave offers both cave exploration and snorkeling!

 

If you are lucky, you may see sea turtles!

 

Activities on Ishigaki Island
(2) Kabira Bay SUP/Canoe

Ishigaki IslandKabira Bay, the No. 1 popular tourist destinationYou can experience SUP cruising at

 

The sea of Kabira Bay, also known as Kabira Blue, isIt is very clear, blue and transparent.

SUP is a vehicle in which you stand on a board and use a paddle to go forward, as shown in the photo.

 

Because the tour uses boards that are relatively stable,Even first-time users will be able to stand up.

 

Activities on Ishigaki Island
(3) Mangrove SUP/Canoe

石垣島 宮良川 カヌー

A relaxing canoeing experience surrounded by mangrove forests designated as a national natural treasure.

 

It is because of this very hot season,Relaxed cruising under the shadow of cool mangrovesThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

石垣島 SUP体験

Once in the shadow of the mangroves, it was twice as cool as you would imagine,Very comfortable.isThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

 

Also, the river is calm with little current,Even those who are concerned about their physical fitness can enjoy the tour.

 

Activities on Ishigaki Island
Landing & Snorkeling

石垣島 幻の島上陸

The phantom island of Hamashima is located about 20 minutes from the remote island terminal,Sand island that appears only at low tideIt is.

 

A 360-degree taste of the ocean.is the only phantom island in Ishigaki Island.

石垣島 幻の島シュノーケリング

There is no regular boat service.Therefore, participation in a tour is a must.

 

Landing tours are also recommended, but the area around Phantom Island isThe coral reef is said to be the largest in Japan.

 

Snorkeling in such waters is exceptional!
Sometimes sea turtles take a break.So, when you head out, watch the ocean around you and enjoy the scenery.

 

Activities on Ishigaki Island
5) Sunset SUP

石垣島 サンセットSUP

Sunset SUP is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy the day!

 

The sunset on Ishigaki Island is incomparable to that seen in the city.Time to see the sky change colors every few minutes and watch the time pass slowly with your eyes.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

石垣島のサンセットSUP

Forget everything and dive into the spectacular scenery.

 

It will surely be an unforgettable memory.

 

Mail order is recommended for souvenirs!

Why don't you take your time to select souvenirs of Ishigaki Island before leaving or after returning home from your trip?

 

Focus on having plenty of fun during your trip,We recommend that you purchase souvenirs efficiently.

It won't take up valuable time or add to your carry-on luggage.

 

By mail order, you can buy it whenever you want, 24 hours a day, so please take a peek at the link below!

In-store vs. online purchase

over-the-counter (financial)
(Merit)

You can check the real thing.
You can ask questions on the spot.
store
(Demerit)
More baggage.
Time for travel will be allocated.

net (hair, netball, etc.)
(Merit)

A wide variety of types of products.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

net (hair, netball, etc.)
(Demerit)

Shipping costs will be charged.
The actual product cannot be confirmed in person.

 

in the end

Ishigakijima limestone cave

We introduced the limestone caves of Ishigaki Island.

 

How was it?Ishigaki Island is a land of submarine uplift and has a large number of limestone caves formed by sea water erosion.

 

Among them, the largest and most varied spots areIshigakijima limestone caveand limestone caves that lead to the sea.Sabichi CaveHa,It can be said that it is a rare limestone cave in Ishigaki Island.

 

The neighboring island of Iriomote also has many other limestone caves to visit, including the popular Koola Cave.

 

We hope this article will spark your interest in limestone caves around Yaeyama!

 

Thank you for reading to the end.

This article was written by.
young Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata)
young Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata)