An offbeat attraction featuring life-size dinosaurs and “Paradise & Hell” scenes
🎢 Take a fun break from temples and embark on a family-friendly adventure!
This half-day tour from Koyasan visits the quirky Kobara Cave “Dinosaur Land” & Gokurakudō, a unique theme cave hidden in the mountains of Katsuragi.
🦕 Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a gigantic Diplodocus statue at the gate
(7 m tall, 23 m long!)jalan.net
– a hint of the surprises inside.
🕳️ Enter the cave with your guide and explore a maze of tunnels adorned with:
🦖 Animatronic dinosaurs that roar and move unexpectedly
🌈 Bizarre illuminated dioramas of Buddhist heaven and hell
🎡 It’s a retro amusement spot blending local folklore and pure imaginative fun.
🕒 The walk through the cave is about 40 minutes (~600 m one-way), and the temperature stays around 12–13°C year-round – a refreshing escape in summer and comfortably mild in winter!
🎉 Kids and adults alike will enjoy the thrills and laughs as the cave reveals new wonders around every corner – 🦇 watch out for a few bats overhead, adding to the excitement.
👨🏫 Your guide will ensure safety and share background tidbits about this offbeat roadside attraction’s history.
🛍️ After emerging from the cave, you can:
Browse a small souvenir shop for dinosaur toys
🍦 Grab a snack or local soft-serve
🚌 The journey back to Koyasan offers lovely views of rural villages and forests, rounding out a half-day of fun and exploration beyond the usual tourist track.
🗓️【Sample Itinerary (English)】
🕐 13:00 – Pick-up in Koyasan (after you finish lunch on your own).
Depart by private vehicle toward Katsuragi Town.
🕑 14:00 – Arrive at Kobara Cave Dinosaur Land & Gokurakudō.
At the entrance, marvel at the life-size dinosaur figures and retro signage.
🎫 Your guide arranges tickets (¥900/adult, ¥600/child)
🔦 Prepares flashlights for the cave.
🕓 14:10 – Enter the cave through a tunnel guarded by two dinosaur heads.
Inside, follow the path as it winds through dimly lit chambers.
Roaring T-Rex
Animatronic dinosaurs with sound/light effects
Guide uses flashlight to point out fun details
🕟 14:40 – Midway, transition to the Gokurakudō (“Paradise Cave”).
Experience:
Eerie but fascinating Buddhist heaven and hell scenes
Colorful figures of monks, demons, and deities
Diverging routes (but don’t worry, your guide keeps you safe!)
📸 Perfect for unique storytelling and fun photos
🕔 15:10 – Finish the approx. 600 m cave loop and emerge outside
🌞 (feeling the warm sunshine after the chilly cave is a relief!)
🛍️ Browse souvenirs – dinosaur toys, local snacks
🕠 15:30 – Depart for Koyasan by vehicle
🕕 16:15 – Arrive back at Koyasan.
Drop-off at your hotel. Enjoy the evening free!
📌【Notes (English)】
🕓 Based on ~4 hours (afternoon tour)
💴 Admission fees:
¥900/adult
¥600/child
🍘 Personal snacks and souvenirs are optional extras
🚫【Not Available】
❄️ Closed on Thursdays from October–February
📅 Open daily March–September
☔ May close in heavy rain/typhoons for safety
💡 Best time to visit: March–November
🚌【Transportation】
Includes round-trip vehicle transport (~45 min each way)
Note: Transport is only for the tour itinerary (not for general charter use)
🧭【Guide & Language】
Friendly local guide in English
(Japanese available on request)
👪【Who Can Join?】
All ages welcome!
👟 Cave walkway is flat but may be uneven or slippery
Wear good walking shoes
⚠️ Children must be accompanied by an adult
💡 Let us know if you have small children or claustrophobia – we can adjust the pace.
🚫 Hard hats not required, but the ceiling is low in spots – mind your head!
👥【Group Size】
1–5 guests(private tour only)
📞【Reservations】
Please book at least 1 day in advance