竜渓洞

Ryukeido - Ryukeido Cave


Useful Information

Location: 444 Yatsukacho Terazu, Matsue, Shimane 690-1407.
(35.497762, 133.175965)
Open: after appointment.
[2022]
Fee: Adults JPY 500, Children free.
[2022]
Classification: Speleologylava tube
Light: bring torch
Dimension: L=80 m, T=15 °C.
Guided tours: L=100 m.
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:  
Address: Ryukeido, 444 Yatsukacho Terazu, Matsue, Shimane 690-1407.
Matsue Tourism Association Yatsukacho Branch, Tel: +81-852-61-5650, Tel: +81-90-3178-2483.
Nature Observation Instructor Kazuya Kadowaki, Terazu, Yatsukacho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Tel: +81-852-76-2397. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1933 cave accidentally discovered during road construction.
07-JUN-1945 designated a National Natural Monument.

Description

竜渓洞 (Ryukeido) is also known as 新洞 (new cave) or 大根島第二溶岩隧道 (Daikonjima No. 2 Lava Tunnel) as it was later discovered than nearby Yuki do (Ghost Cave). The name Ryukeido was given because of the unusual shape of the cave, which resembles the residence of the dragon god Sumika. The cave has lava stalactites and pahoehoe lava (rope-shaped lava), also known as Pele's Hair, because it looks like braided hair. It is home to several traglobionts. Quite famous are the Gammaridea and the actinomycetes fungus.