小島暗川

Kojima Kurago

Useful Information

Location:	Kojima, Isen, Ōshima, Kagoshima 891-8329. Tokunoshima Island. (27.7442632, 128.9072100)
Open:	no restrictions. [2023]
Fee:	free. [2023]
Classification:	Karst cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:	L=530 m, VR=10 m.
Guided tours:	self guided, L=530 m, 30 min.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Kojima, Isen, Ōshima, Kagoshima 891-8329.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1960s

cave opened to the public.

Description

小島暗川 (Kojima Kurago, Kojima-no-kurago, Kojima Dark River), also known as 小島鍾乳洞 (Kojima Cave) is a former show cave, which is now closed for many years. The trails are partly destroyed, the electric light does not work anymore. The cave is visited several times per year on guided tours by the Isen Town Museum of History and Folklore. The tours are very popular and typically booked out after an hour.

The cave is entered down a doline, at the foot is a wide and rather low entrance portal. From here a staircase leads down to the cave river. The elevated trail and bridges in the river are mostly gone, so it is necessary to walk in the river, in 30 to 40 cm deep water. Gum boots are much recommended. Then the highlight of the tour is reached, the cave river emerges from a hole high up in the wall and forms a waterfall. Following the cave river further downstream, there are some places were remains of the old wooden plank way still exist. You should avoid them for two reasons, first the old wood is fragile and might collapse, and second there are nails in the wood which is pretty dangerous. Finally, the lower entrance of the cave is reached, from which the cave river springs.

The cave once had good trails and electric light, but most of it is destroyed. The generator is still there but defunct, the staircase is there but full of debris from the wall above. The trails inside are mostly gone, so is the light, and the entrance gate. In other words, it's possible to visit the cave with the right equipment. We nevertheless recommend one of the multiple tours, they are held frequently, though it is tricky to get a ticket. But on the other hand this cave is, despite being a river cave, comparably harmless.