When offered a free trip to a hill region famous for its limestone, as a foreign traveller, it is one's duty to accept the offer - no matter how disinterested one might be in geology. One must absolutely say "yes" no matter how difficult it is to deliver - with any measurable amount of sincerity - the line, "Did you say limestone?!?! Oh yes, limestone is my very favorite of all of the stones. Let us away!"
After all, one never knows what is lurking beneath the monolith-littered hillsides. |
Had the verdure of the hills and the impressive concentration of limestone been the highlight of this Japanese mini-adventure, as a nature lover, I would have been satisfied. What?! I do love nature - looking at it, reading about it, hearing other people's stories. Yes, I love nature as long as there is a hospital and a clean restroom within twenty-five miles.
We went on a beautiful nature walk as the afternoon sun did its best to break through the clouds and the leafy canopy of the subtropical forest. |
We stopped for a breather when Nami asked us if we were interested in exploring a cave. I honestly think she waited to reveal the surprise cave as a test of our loyalty...apparently we passed the test with our utterly-convincing portrayal of limestone enthusiasts.
Mary, Masa, and Mr. Tiny at the Shonyudo Cave marker. I asked Nami what the rock said and her reply was, "It's too hard." What else would a rock say? |
After my intrepid exploits in The Lost World Caverns of West Virginia, I have come to fancy myself quite the spelunker. My second cave on my second continent - I think it's time to start writing that cave-safety book!
The entrance to the cave has all of the Japanese character for which a tourist could ask - waterfall, trickling stream, and arch bridge. |
A cadre of religious icons flank the mouth of Shonyudo Cave. I was hoping that it was more a testament to the sacredness of the ground and less a last-ditch prayer to avoid a calamitous cave-in. |
More disconcerting than the thought of being trapped in a cave was the communal sandals which we were forced to don in order to enter. Fortunately, the largest pair fit. |
The cave was welcoming in its beauty; It all started out so dry and so level... |
I don't look like I'm having as much fun as Mary, but really, I am. Visiting Shonyudo Cave was a unanimous favorite of our trip to Japan. |
Then we retraced our steps and celebrated that we made it out alive - drenched to the knee but very much alive. |
We had a few slips, slides, and two-broken sandals (me) along the way but never once thought about the traveler's insurance we did not get until we had made it out unscathed.
Successful spelunkers! |
Feeling lucky to have made it out without incident or accident, we added a few coins to the pile - a small price to pay for so many great cave memories! |
Have you ever been exploring in a cave? Do you think head-to-toe denim is appropriate cave exploring attire?
Cheers!
Mr. Tiny