Hello there! Have you ever heard of “Kyusendo” in Kuma Village, Kumamoto Prefecture? It had been temporarily closed because of the devastating floods on July 4, 2020, but it’s back in action now! Also, a brand new outdoor supply store has recently opened its doors in April 2022!

I finally got the chance to visit the newly rejuvenated “Kyusendo”! (It may have been a bit late…)

The Rejuvenated “Kyusendo” in Kuma Village

Today, we are at “Kyusendo” in Kuma Village.

“Kyusendo” is known for being one of the largest stalactite caves in mainland Kyushu. Through its renovation, the lighting inside the cave slightly changed, its ambiance from before.

“Kyusendo” is a really large tourist attraction, offering only the stalactite cave but also a vast shopping area.  The facility was among those impacted by heavy rains and severe flooding leading to a comprehensive overhaul of the facility.

Face-to-Face with Earth’s Mysteries! Exploring the Cave

I’ll head into the cave first!!

Actually, this is the first time for me to explore a stalactite cave, making me a little bit nervous… 

 The journey begins with a long tunnel.

It’s really dark!

I feel a little anxious when I’m by myself because I get scared easily, so I move forward cautiously.

And it’s so cool!

Despite the day’s heat and my ill-advised choice of short sleeves, the cave’s constant 16°C temperature felt almost chilly.

As I continued walking, I eventually reached the entrance of the cave.

     Wow… So mystical…

It felt like something out of an amusement park, but knowing that it was real gave me an incredible sense of wonder. 

I couldn’t help but feel like an explorer, so why not embark on our cave exploration right now?

Its impact is literally beyond description…

 This cave formed from geological layers dating back 300 million years. 300 million years… it’s hard to even fathom.

During that period, the land that was to become Japan remained linked to the Eurasian Continent, and it is believed that limestone rocks from Hawaii were carried along on the Pacific plate. As Japan gradually distanced itself from the continent, the limestone accompanied its movement, resulting in the creation of these remarkable stalactite caves.

Wait, does that imply that we’re actually in Hawaii?

Rainwater, mixed with carbon dioxide gas, gradually eroded the limestone, creating such a magnificent stalactite cave over countless centuries. Eventually, this rainwater flowed into the Kuma River, completing a natural cycle of beauty and wonder. It’s truly a romantic tale of nature’s blessings in Hawaii and Kuma!

There’s also a natural rock bridge in the stalactite cave. How was it created? The mystery deepens.

As you can see in the pictures above, every spot in the stalactite cave has its own unique explanation. Even if you’re not familiar with technical terms, rest assured that you’ll still have a wonderful time exploring!

 The stalactites each have their names. I wondered, “What makes them different?” The answer: Though all from limestone, their names vary based on their formation processes influenced by location and conditions.

I could understand the logic when I heard the explanation. But once I see its romantic view, it feels like I’m venturing into a whole new realm.

The wonders of nature never cease to amaze! 

We embarked on an incredible 1 km journey, which turned out to be a thrilling adventure. Surprisingly, this path represents just a mere 10% of the vast stalactite caves in “Kyusendo”.

Apparently, the cave is way bigger than what I initially thought. If you want, you can also give the “Exploration Course” a shot, where you can explore even deeper parts of the cave. Just remember, you’ll need to be accompanied by a dedicated staff member. If the opportunity arises, I would definitely love to join this course too!

“Kyusendo” boasts an extensive range of stalactites, which is believed to be the largest in Japan. Additionally, an annual survey is carried out, increasing the chances of uncovering new ones in the coming years. Excitingly, we may witness an even greater variety soon!

Post-Exploration Food and Souvenir Shopping

You can enjoy not only the stalactite cave but also other spots in Kyusendo. So let me share these spots with you!

“Koumori-tei” Dining Hall

This is Diner “Koumoritei”. This restaurant is well-known for its delicious champon (a noodle dish that is a regional cuisine of Japan) packed with a variety of vegetables.

Grab Regional Food and Specialties! “Friend Antenna Shop”

The shop located at the edge of the property is known as an “antenna shop“. “Antenna shop” means a shop that sells local products to understand customers’ needs and to attract potential travelers. Thus, this particular shop offers a wide range of local specialties from the Kuma area, all of which are closely associated with the local companies.

 You’ll find alcoholic drinks, hand-crafted goods, and even Kyusendo-original dressings, soft drinks, and biscuits.

“Hinata” Specializing in Bread and Honey

There are three stores inside “Mori no Kobo”, the building next to “Koumoritei”. One of them is called “Hinata” and it specializes in bread and honey. The delightful aroma of their delicious products can be smelled even outside the building.

 They offer two types of bread, after having updated their recipe from the pre-renovation “Mori no Bakery”. They have locally-produced honey for sale as well.

Hinata’s Bread 800 yen

I tried their bread!!

The fluffy bread is irresistibly soft, with a sweet wheat aroma that’s irresistible. Each bite reveals a sweeter taste, while a hint of saltiness adds to its appeal, making it perfect to accompany a meal.

“Hanakoubou” – Soft Serve Speciality Café

Across from “Hinata” is “Hanakobou,” a soft serve café.

They serve Kyusendo’s original soft-serve ice cream,  soft serve made with milk from Isa Farm in Kagoshima, and seasonal sweets.

Don’t miss out on the terrace located at the rear of the restaurant, where you can indulge in the beauty of seasonal flowers, and savor a delightful meal. Make sure to treat yourself to the heavenly soft-serve ice cream, made with creamy milk and caramel that’s perfectly balanced and light on the taste buds.

“Mori no Koubou Mont-Bell Corner” – a shop that opened in April 1st, 2023

The most recent one to open was this shop, the “Mori no Koubou Mont-Bell Corner “.

They also have original Kyusendo-branded products! 

A staff member suggested this T-shirt. Its design is absolutely adorable, making it perfect for my everyday wear.

The Renewal of Kyusendo Cave

The revamped Kyusendo Cave is more than just a mysterious stalactite haven; it’s a destination brimming with a variety of shops and fun activities. The cave in particular is something you have to see in person to truly appreciate its awe-inspiring majesty. Make sure to plan a visit on your next day off for an unforgettable experience.

Kyusendo