Reopening of the "Hirahara Cave" in Okutama Town, which was isolated due to a typhoon last year. July 9, 20:33
The limestone cave, which is the center of tourism, resumed operations on the 9th, after about 9 months, in the Hihara district of Okutama Town, where the road along the mountain collapsed due to Typhoon No. 19 last year and remained isolated.
The "Hirahara Limestone Cave" in Okutama Town was a popular tourist destination visited by about 100,000 people a year, but some equipment such as lighting was destroyed due to the influence of Typhoon No. 19 last October, and it is the only one that connects to the district. The road collapsed and was isolated for about half a year, and restoration work could not be performed.
Since the construction of the temporary road in May this year, a contractor has finally begun to enter the area, and restoration work has progressed, and we have resumed business for the first time in about 9 months on the 9th. At the entrance, a piece of paper was posted on measures to prevent infection with the new coronavirus, calling for cooperation in thorough hand washing and wearing a mask.
Visitors were looking into a fantastic limestone cave illuminated in various colors.
A man in his 40s visiting from the town said, “I was wondering what happened to the limestone cave after last year's typhoon. It makes me feel like I am on an adventure and it's fun.”
Chairman Shogo Kurosawa, the organization that runs the limestone cave, said, "I feel like we have finally reopened. I am happy to see the customers. I want you to enjoy the nature of the limestone cave."