Enjoy the great outdoors! Hiraodai, one of the three major karsts in Japan
◆Hiraodai◆
Hiraodai is said to have about 200 limestone caves.
Hiraodai is one of the three major karsts in Japan, and the many pure white limestone formations scattered across the vast plateau resemble a flock of sheep playing in a meadow, and together with the underground limestone caves, are designated as a natural monument.
Visitors can relax at Solaland’s campsites and outdoor BBQ, or enjoy caving in the limestone caves. Visitors can enjoy an adventurous experience that cannot be found in tourist caves, as they proceed through the darkness with only the light of a headlamp to guide them. Mysterious underground landforms and encounters with bats and other creatures are highlights of this experience.
There is also a pit cave where you can easily descend to the bottom of the earth by stairs, so if you are short on time or not confident of your physical strength, try caving here.
The charm of Hiraodai is that it can be enjoyed all year round: wild fires in spring, fresh greenery, and Susukino fields in autumn.
Size: 400-600m above sea level, 11km from north to south, 2km from east to west
Kokura-minami Ward, where Hiraodai is located, is the largest ward in Kitakyushu, occupying 35% of the city’s area. For this reason, there are many places rich in nature, such as Goma, famous for Haruno bamboo shoot picking, and Sone tideland, where a vast tideland stretches 5 km offshore at low tide. The Sone Tidal Flat is one of the most popular wintering grounds in Japan for the “black-headed gull,” which is becoming scarce in the world, and attracts many bird-watching enthusiasts during this time of year.
Soraland Hiraodai
Soraland Hiraodai (Hiraodai Nature Village) is a nature experience park spread across Hiraodai, one of Japan’s three major karst plateaus.
The park is themed around interaction between nature and people, exchange with local Hiraodai activities, and harmony with the landscape.
The vast grounds feature paid athletic facilities and playgrounds enjoyable for families with children, an RV park & dog run, auto campgrounds, campsites, workshops where you can experience soba noodle making and pottery, and the restaurant “Yama no Toraya” where you can savor Miyazaki beef. Families can enjoy a full day here.
Furthermore, activities unique to Hiraodai allow visitors to fully enjoy the great outdoors. These include riding a tuk-tuk through Hiraodai, learning about the formation of Hiraodai at the Nature Observation Center, and caving tours (cave exploration tours) led by expert guides.
https://www.instagram.com/solalandhiraodai.shizennosato
Mountain House Ikimura HIRAODAI
Stay at Hiraodai!
Mountain House Ikimura HIRAODAI is a vacation rental where you can book an entire house like a private villa. It offers a home with expansive views of the great nature of Hiraodai, a karst plateau formed 300 million years ago.
Standing at an elevation of 360 meters, this spacious 5-bedroom, 5-living room house has been renovated to evoke a sense of traditional Japanese culture and relaxation, ensuring guests can comfortably unwind. It accommodates up to 15 people.
It can be used for a wide range of purposes, including trips with family or friends, company or team retreats, and more.
https://www.instagram.com/hitsujicafe_ikimura_hiraodai
Pieces of Earth: Hiraodai
Explore Hiraodai’s Mysterious Marble Caves!
Spanning the karst plateau, Hiraodai is said to have over 200 limestone caves, and you can access parts of three of them.
Caving is an activity where you explore caves in their natural state—untouched by tourist features like lighting—accompanied by a guide.
During the journey to the caves and throughout the exploration, our local guides provide detailed explanations, allowing you to feel the history of the Earth formed over hundreds of thousands to millions of years.
During the cave exploration, you’ll walk along a pure white marble underground river, sometimes crawl on your hands and knees, and even swim in a mysteriously blue-glowing subterranean lake!
Experience authentic nature and feel the breath of the Earth at Hiraodai National Park!
※ We’ll capture your memories during the cave experience with photos and videos, handed to you on the spot. All necessary exploration gear is provided, so just bring a change of clothes to participate.
https://www.pieceofearthhiraodai.com
https://www.instagram.com/hiraodai_life
