Toma Limestone Cave also called Toma Bell Cave (当麻鐘乳洞) is a natural limestone cave that is designated as a Hokkaido Natural Monument. It is located at Kaimei 4-ku, in the town of Toma in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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Toma Limestone Cave |
Toma Limestone Cave details
Toma Limestone Cave was discovered on January 13, 1957, by a company that was mining limestones. It was designated as a Hokkaido Natural Monument in 1961. The cave was measured to be about 1,500 meters big with a length of about 135 meters.
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Toma Limestone Cave - Toma town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The cave is filled with unique rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and curtains, created by thousands of years of dripping water, erosion, and other geological processes. The temperature inside the cave is a bit colder than the outside making it a nice place to visit in summer.
Outside Toma Limestone Cave
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The "Legend of the Dragon" signage along Route 1134 |
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The facility going to the cave entrance |
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The dragon used for the dragon dance is displayed in the facility |
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Rock Garden |
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A limestone is displayed near the ticket booth |
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Introduction to the Toma Limestone Cave |
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More informative displays |
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Welcome to Toma Limestone Cave |
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Toma Limestone Cave info board |
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The entrance to Toma Limestone Cave |
Toma Limestone Cave is divided into five chambers which are connected by narrow passages, each with its distinct features.
Inside Toma Limestone Cave
Visitors can explore the cave without a guide as the cave is equipped with handrails and lighting to ensure safety and to make the most of the amazing views inside the cave.Team Nicerio visits Toma Limestone Cave
My family and I visited Toma Limestone Cave for the first time last September 17, 2022, during our 3-day Respect for the Aged Day Road Trip. It was also my 46th weekend as an ALT under the JET Programme. The cave is in the outskirts of town and it was a bit of a drive from the town center. Regardless, the drive was worth it as the cave was well-lit and had well-preserved (protected) stalactite and columns.
Toma Limestone Cave Fees
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Toma Limestone Cave Ticket Booth |
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Toma Limestone Cave Entrance Fee 2022 |
There is an entrance fee if you want to go inside Toma Limestone Cave.
Adults need to pay 600 yen while elementary school students and junior high school students need to pay 400 yen.
While it’s FREE for residents and PWDs.
Toma Limestone Cave Operating Hours
Toma Limestone Cave is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. However, it is closed to the public from late October to late April.
Why visit Toma Limestone Cave?
Toma Limestone Cave is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in geology, nature, or just looking for a unique experience in Hokkaido.
Getting to Toma Limestone Cave
There are no buses or trains that can bring you to Toma Limestone Cave. You can reach it by;
Taxi: 15 minutes (10km) from Toma Station on the JR Sekihoku Main Line.
Car: 30 minutes (20km) from Asahikawa Kita IC on the Hokkaido Expressway.
Car: 45 minutes from Asahikawa Airport (30km).
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I live in Asahikawa City for two years but this is the first time that I heard about this cave. Now, I have a place to visit this weekend.
ReplyDeletePlease do visit Toma Limestone Cave. Enjoy!
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