Not for trypophobes (fear of holes)! Okinawa’s limestone cave — your scalp will absolutely crawl.

▲Attention trypophobes (fear of holes)! Okinawa’s limestone cave is sure to spark fear.

Reported and photographed by You T●ru / Okinawa
 
Warning for trypophobes (fear of holes)! In Okinawa, Japan, there is a well-known limestone cave that houses about one million stalactites and stalagmites. Spanning an entire 5 kilometers underground, the cave features densely packed, strip-like stone formations covering the rock walls. The extreme density of these formations is incredibly intense, giving people goosebumps — truly a “forbidden zone” for those with trypophobia.


▲%The strange sight... can cause a panic reaction for some.%



▲%A setting that’s quite unique.%



▲Walking through the cave also requires dodging some side pillars.

One of Japan’s three major limestone caves, “Gyokusendo Cave,” is approximately 300,000 years old. The full 5-kilometer route takes about 30 minutes to explore. Stalactites form when dripping water deposits calcium carbonate on limestone, solidifying on the ground. Formations that rise from the floor are called “stalagmites,” while those that hang from above are “stalactites.” Over time, when stalagmites and stalactites connect, they form “columns.” Gyokusendo features all three — stalagmites, stalactites, and columns — making it quite a rare sight.

To visit Gyokusendo, you’ll first need to descend about two stories underground, where the air is cool and damp, and the environment is dimly lit. Although the cave is illuminated, it still has a serene and otherworldly feel. Like many other limestone caves, Gyokusendo gives imaginative names to the various uniquely shaped stalactites. Here, you can find spots like First Love Square, Blue Spring, Golden Basin, as well as Buddha-shaped rocks named after their peculiar forms.


▲%Imagination plays a big role in this cave, which doesn’t have much open space but features a variety of fantastic formations.%




Among them, the largest stalactite in the cave, the “Golden Basin,” has a diameter of 31 meters and a height of 2.5 meters. Upon closer inspection, it appears pale white and is truly spectacular. “Blue Spring” is named for the mysterious bluish pool created by water droplets gathering inside. With two stacked pools, it bears a slight resemblance to Turkey’s Pamukkale terraces — albeit on a smaller scale.


▲The largest stalactite: the Golden Bowl.
%People with a fear of holes might not be able to handle it easily.%



▲%In particular, the dense formations may be too much for trypophobes.%


Visiting Gyokusendo can definitely give trypophobes the creeps. The cave is extremely dense with formations — everywhere you look, there are tightly packed, column-like stalactites creeping along the ceiling down to the floor. On the walking paths, you’ll even need to dodge massive stone pillars. The sensation of being potentially surrounded or touched at any moment, combined with the cave’s deep darkness and the occasional sound of dripping water, creates an intense experience.

Besides Gyokusendo, the “Ryukyu Kingdom Village” within the same park offers a place to experience Okinawan craftsmanship. Inside traditional Ryukyuan buildings, you can enjoy performances of traditional taiko drums, try your hand at paper-making, learn the sanshin (a three-stringed instrument), or try pottery-making. The area is ideal for first-time visitors to Okinawa to immerse themselves in the local culture, learn about Ryukyuan traditions, and take in the island’s natural scenery.


▲%The Ryukyu Kingdom Village lets you experience various traditional crafts in historical Ryukyuan-style buildings.%


 


▲%Traditional performances are held inside the village.%


Ryukyu Kingdom Village + Gyokusendo Cave
Address: 1336 Uenokawa, Tamagusuku, Nanjo City, Okinawa
Phone: 098-949-7421
Admission: Single site ¥620, both sites combined ¥1260
Hours: 09:00 – 18:00