Discover Itoigawa's most heavily protected area on this limited access tour of the Maikomidaira Karst Area!
The Maikomidaira Karst Area is one of Itoigawa Geopark's most important areas, with extreme karst topography including Japan's 4 deepest vertical caves and rare alpine plants. Because of its importance and the delicate nature of its ecosystem, the area is normally closed to the public and only accessible during this special tour.
The tour takes guests on a guided walk through the area's rugged landscape, climbing down into dolines to examine the entrances of the area's most impressive caves, while learning about the area's formation and its rich biodiversity.
With snow remaining in many of the dolines and caves well into the summer months, it's a fun and exciting way to beat the summer heat!
The Maikomidaira GeoTour visits the karst area around the caves and their entrances, but does not enter the cave system. Maikomidaira's caves are vertical and extremely dangerous, entrance is prohibited to the general public.
Limited Access GeoTour
Maikomidaira Karst Area
| Dates | Jun 27; Jul 11 & 25; ＊Each tour date is a Saturday. Tours are only available on the listed dates. ＊Aug 8 & 22 dates cancelled due to road damage. Normal tours will resume from September 5 |
| Time |
10:00 - Meetup at Itoigawa Station (Alps Exit), Board Bus
11:00 - Arrive at Maikomidaira Entrance, Lunch & Tour Start Guided Trekking Tour of Ōmaikomi, Komaikomi, Tsutendō, Senridō & Byakurendō Caves, Karst Landscape and Alpine Plants
15:00 - Return to Maikomidaira Entrance
16:00 - Return to Itoigawa Station Alps Exit |
| Fee | 13,900 JPY |
| Maximium Participants |
20 per tour (Minimum 12) Ages 12 and up |
| Registration | Contact the Itoigawa Geopark Council Secretariat at least 14 days in advance of the tour you would like to join. E-mail: [email protected] |
| Other Info | This tour requires some experience in walking mountain trails and is recommended only for guests in good physical condition. Guests are expected to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for mountain trekking, including a safety helmet. The Maikomidaira Karst Area is a Legally Designated Environmental Conservation Area, guests must remain with the group and on the designated trail at all times. Anything taken into the area must be removed from the area, including food and bodily waste. Tour guidance is provided in the Japanese Language only. If English guidance is necessary, please contact the Itoigawa Geopark Council Secretariat before registering. |