Nature in Kyushu
Hiraodai Karst Plateau & Caves, in Fukuoka-prefecture
Hiraodai Karst Plateau & Caves is located in Kitakyushu-city, Fukuoka-prefecture.
One of the three largest karst plateau in Japan. At altitudes between 400 and 600
meters above sea level and stretching 6 km from north to south and 2 km from
east to west.
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Yougunbaru, which was so names because of the limestone which stands in row like a flock
of sheep in a vast meadow, dolines (conical hollows) and limestone caves create distinctive
scenery. The Plateau offers a different views in each of the four seasons, resembling a burnt
field in the spring, appearing fresh and green in the early summer, and similar to a dry plain
in the fall.
Limestone Caves
There are three limestone Caves in Hiraodai Karst and each cave has different unique
features.
Senbutsu limestone Cave
The largest limestone caves in Hiraodai Karst Plateau
extending about 900 m while meandering toward the northeast. The shape of the cave is
narrow, narrow ceiling ravine with a maximum width of 10 m and a maximum ceiling
height of 15 m.
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Mejiro limestone Cave
It is the longest cave in Hiraodai Karst, over 2 km in length. The highlight of this
cave is the monolithic ceiling which is a very unique structure as a limestone caves.
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Ojika Limestone Cave
The cave is called footfall of dinosaurs. It is the very rare cave in Japan; the entrance
is vertical pit with 25 meter, when getting down to the bottom, you follow the
underground horizontal cave and you can see the hidden aspects of Hiraodai Karst.
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Itoshima, in Fukuoka-prefecture
Itoshima is located next to Fukuoka-city, the north side is facing Genkai Sea and has intricate
coastline created by dynamic wave.
The plain and several low mountains between the coastline in the north and Seburu mountain
range in the south create beautiful landscape.
The main industries are fishery and agriculture, including rice, fruits and flowers.
Sake rice is also cultivated and there are also Sake Breweries.
You can enjoy various cuisines such as sea food dish, oyster Barbecue, Sushi as well
as Ramen.
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Oshima Island, in Fukuoka-prefecture
Oshima Island located 11 km from Konominato Port in Munakata-city, and is the largest
island in Fukuoka-prefecture. The population of the island is around 700.
It takes 25 minutes by Oshima ferry and 15 minutes by Shiokaze ferry.
There are two World Heritage Shrines, Munakata Shrine Nakatsu-gu and Munakata Shrine
Okitsu-gu Yohaishho, those Shrines are registered as Sacred Island Okinoshiam and
Associated site in the Munakata Region.
You can enjoy beautiful nature at any places where you visit including Windmil Observatory
and Mitake Observatory.
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