Memories of the earth from 350 million years ago

Speaking of Akiyoshidai, the magnificent scenery of limestone is famous. In fact, Akiyoshidai was the sea 350 million years ago! Akiyoshidai was born as a coral reef in the southern sea. Over time, the coral reefs turned into limestiones, which slowly repeated and became to a thickness of 500 to 1000 m. The resulting limeston was exposed on the surface of the earth, creating the green and white landscape beauty of the grassland and limestone as shown in the photograph.
Akiyoshidai's limestone is said to contain many fossils of organisms that lived in the ancient sea. It retains the memory of the sea, which used to be a coral reef, to today!

Akiyoshidai that changes its appearance in each season

Akiyoshidai is attractive because it shows different expressions depending on the season.
In spring, the plant height is short and you can walk comfortably and crisply, so listen to the singing voice of birds and view the shining of fresh green grass and flowers. In summer, the green of the grassland become dazzlingly dark, and the competition between the "starry sky" and the "sounds of insects" after the sun goes down is attractive. In autumn, the flowers are beautiful, and the golden Japanese silver grass and autumn bright red color of the herbs and grass are a must-see. Then, in winter, after the beauty of the withered grasslands, the earth is turned black by being burned by flame of "Akiyoshidai Yamayaki", the traditional event.
As you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons at Akiyoshidai, you can fully enjoy the great nature any time of the year ,

The largest in Japan! " Yamayak in Akiyoshidai"

"Akiyoshidai Yamayaki", a tradition that brings spring to Akiyoshidai, is a traditional event that has been passed down for more than 600 years and is the largest open burning in Japan held every year in mid-February.
On the morning of the day, the fire is set all at once with a siren as a signal, and Akiyoshidai is engulfed in flames and smoke that are 5 meters high. The sight of the band-shaped flames sputterint and approaching is spectacular, and many tourists come to see the powerfulness. Although measures are taken to prevent the spread of fire, it is dangerous to enter the burning area. At the site, follow the instruction of the person in charge.
This open burning is aimed at maintaining the unique scenery of Akiyoshidai, exterminating pests, and protecting the ecosystem. The burnt grasslands will be covered with fresh green in May. The beautiful grasslands of Akiyoshidai are preserved by this open burning.

Akiyoshidai is a "quashi-national park that can be used"

Akiyoshidai is a "quashi-national park that can be used", and you can fully enjoy a 360-dgree panoramic view of grasslands and limestone in various ways.
There are several trekking courses, and you can freely choose the course from beginners to advanced. In addition, the "Karst Road" that runs through the center of Akiyoshidai is a recommended course for refreshing cycling, and of course the drive is excellent! The unique and magnificent scenery and beautiful location that can only be found here will give you an exciting impression.
In 2020, a new Segway tour was started. Run around the grasslands of Akiyoshidai on an off-road Segway and feel the wind of 300 million years with your heart!

Japan's largest limestone cave, Akiyoshido is a must-see

One of the best limestone caves in the Orient and the special natural monument "Akiyoshido" is also must-see attraction. There are lots to see in the cave that streches for about 17 km where the temperature inside is about 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year, which is cool in summer and warm in winter. Let's view the mysterious natural environment such as the huge space "Blue Ceiling", the travertine terrace "Hundred Plates" that looks like more than 500 plates, and the travertine pillar "Golden Pillar" that was created over tens of thousands of years. Now, go to a cave adventure of about 1 hour round trip where you can experience the history of 300 million years!

How was it? Akiyoshidai and Akiyoshido created by the nature of earth over 300 million years. Enjoy a magnificent unusual space where you can feel the breath of the earth!