People have always strived to solve the riddles of the past and explore the mysteries of nature. They studied historical writing documents, excavated palaces and tombs, went down to the bottom of seas and went up on mountain peaks. However, most of all they were attracted by numerous bizarre cave labyrinths which were made only by the power of nature millions of years ago. They are the most ancient speechless witnesses of our past, of the genesis of the planet and the life of its first inhabitants.

One of the most famous caves of Japan and one of the main attractions of Kitakyushu is the world-known stalactite cave сalled Senbutsu. The fantastic cave is located on one of the greatest karst layers of the country just in several minutes' ride from the city. That place is home to around 200 different karst caves, but Senbutsu is the only which got the status of a national natural monument of Japan in 1935.

Its formation started tens of millions of years ago. Since then, flows of rainwater have created many deep caves through dissolving limestone rocks. The flow of ancient underground rivers united them into one labyrinth which amazes with the incredible beauty of its stone formations and fabulous pattern made by multicolor rock layers. Huge limestone columns of the cave became its hallmark. At the entrance, you can see more than 30 fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, thanks to which the cave was called the «mouth of a monster» for many years.

The first 500 meters of the winding maze are quite spacious and are full of mineral deposits in the form of fairy-tale figures. They are followed by a narrower walking path. Only after 900 meters when the territory, which is illuminated by artificial light ends, a real underground adventure begins. The bravest and boldest travelers, lighting their way only with their hand lanterns and following an inevitably narrow and low tunnel, will be generously awarded the view of a huge cave with three fabulous underground waterfalls. This splendid breath-taking view is definitely worth the passed way and all the little troubles which could be brought by cold water splashes on the whole way. Although this is not where the touristic route ends, the tunnels of the great cave extend for many kilometers into the deepest bowels of the earth.