当麻鐘乳洞

Tohma Shonyudo - Tōma shōnyūdō - Tohma Limestone Cave - Toma Limestone Cave


Useful Information

Location: 4 Ku Kaimei, Toma-cho, Kamikawa-gun 078-1341 Hokkaido.
Tohma village, 30 km from Asahikawa.
(43.826973, 142.609547)
Open: MAY to OCT daily 9-17.
[2020]
Fee: Adults JPY 500, Children JPY 300.
[2020]
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave. Middle Jurassic limestones.
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension: L=135 m, Ar=1,500 m², T=9 °C.
Guided tours: self guided
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: 当麻鐘乳洞 - Tōma Bell Cave, Kaimei, 4 Ku, Toma, Kamikawa District, 078-1341 Hokkaido, Tel: +81-166-84-3719.
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

13-JAN-1957 cave discovered during limestone quarrying.
1961 designated a Hokkaido Natural Monument.

Description

当麻鐘乳洞 or 当麻鍾乳洞 (Tōma cave) is named after nearby village Tōma. Located on the northernmost Japanese Island Hokkaido, and rather high up in the mountains, is an example for a sub.-arctic cave. Speleothems growth in this cave is the lowest of all Japanese show caves. The town Thoma has ski lifts and in winter the landscape is normally covered with snow.

The cave was originally named Ezo Cave or "dragon in a coil". Because the passages resembled two dragons who were huddled together in sleep. Until today there are lots of dragon depictions around the cave, although it was renamed in 1961 when it was designated a Hokkaido Natural Monument.

The cave is used to age a local specialty, sake which is named Ryunozumi or Ryo No Izumi. The Junmai Daiginjo liquor is produced by the Takasago Brewery in Asahikawa City during winter. The constant temperature in the cave and the mysterious power of the limestone cave bring a rich and mellow taste.