Highlights of Moss Cave

• Moss Cave

Moss Cave

　It's about a 20-minute drive from Lake Shikotsu Onsen toward Otaki, Date City. A parking lot and nature center appear on the mountain side across the lake, marking the entrance to Moss Cave. From the nature center, the trail is approximately 750 meters across a dry, sandy riverbed.

　Moss Cave is a dry, corridor-like canyon formed by the gradual erosion of welded tuff, created by the 1739 eruption of Mt. Tarumae, by debris flows. Approximately 10 meters high, the dense growth of over 80 species of moss, including Ebigonia and Ezochochinkō, creates a mystical and beautiful sight. It is also academically valuable, having been designated "Japan's Precious Moss Forest" by the Japanese Bryological Society in August 2014. Downstream are two caves: Cave No. 1 (approximately 420 meters long) and Cave No. 2 (approximately 600 meters long).

　Because there is a risk of falling rocks and landslides inside the Moss Cave, viewing is limited to the observation deck at the entrance to the Moss Cave.

*The observation deck was damaged by heavy rains in September 2014. As of 2019, the Moss Cave is closed and cannot be viewed.

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Go to the Natural Parks Foundation website