Nature
Gyokusendō
교쿠센도(일본어: 玉泉洞)는 일본 오키나와현 난조시에 있는 석회암 동굴이다. 동굴군의 일부는 오키나와 월드의 일부로서 공개되어 있다.
Overview
Gyokusendō is a limestone cave in Nanjo City, on the southern part of Okinawa's main island. It's known for its dense concentration of stalactites and stalagmites, formed over a very long period, and a section of the cave system is developed as a walkable route within the Okinawa World theme park complex. Travellers come mainly for the underground rock formations rather than for any above-ground attractions at the site.
Getting there
From central Naha, the cave is reachable by car or taxi in around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. There are also direct bus services from Naha to Okinawa World, though schedules should be checked in advance since services can be infrequent. Public transport connections in this part of Okinawa are limited, so many visitors rent a car for the day.
How much time to allow
The cave walk itself typically takes under an hour, but since it sits within the larger Okinawa World complex, allow a half-day if you plan to see other parts of the park as well.
When to go
Inside the cave, temperature and humidity stay fairly constant year-round, so it can be a comfortable option during Okinawa's hot summer months. The walkway can feel narrow and busy when tour groups pass through, so arriving earlier in the day may mean a quieter walk. Paths inside can be damp and slightly slippery in places.
Combine with
- Ou Island (2.3km) is close enough to pair with a cave visit on the same trip.
- Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum (5.3km) and Himeyuri Peace Museum (7.6km) are within a short drive and often visited together as part of southern Okinawa's war history sites.
- Kokuba River (7.1km) is another option nearby if you're exploring further toward Naha.
Sources: open data from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap · Updated August 5, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
