The Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, has been designated as a special natural monument and is one of the largest karst formations in all of Japan. The scenery provides a view of the mysteries of nature, with a prairie so vast it seems to go on forever and countless limestone rocks peeking out through the grass. It is believed that what can be seen today was coral approximately 350 million years ago, and after standing for a long time became the current white rock face of the limestone.
Within the park, there are a number of places where visitors can see the mysteries of nature, including the Akiyoshidai Karst Observatory, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the magnificent karst formations; the limestone cave Akiyoshido, which is also designated as a special natural monument; and the 1.5-kilometer-long cave Kagekiyodo, which is said to have been the hiding place for the military commander of the Taira clan who was defeated in an old battle.
There are plenty of outdoor activity opportunities at the park for the adventurous, including bicycle rentals, trekking, and spelunking. However, for those who don't care for outdoor activities, each spot within the park can be accessed by car, and on weekdays the Karst Taxis, which take visitors around to see the spots in Akiyoshidai, are in operation. In addition, near the observatory there is free Wi-Fi, cell phone charging stations, a rest space, and a cafe, as well as shops that sell a variety of goods, including souvenirs, near the entrance to Akiyoshido Cave. There are plenty of sightseeing facilities within the park, so any and all visitors are sure to be able to spend a full, leisurely day here.