Yajiya-gama Cave, the home of Kumejima's rich natural and cutural heritage.

About Yajiya-gama

Yajia Cave (Yajia-gama) is a giant limestone cave, approximately 800 meters long. This ancient cave has existed for tens of thousands of years and is home to diverse creatures, as well as the spirits of the island's ancestors.

Yajiya-gama has a rich natural history. On a guided tour, you can see stalactites ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 years old, as well as unique species of creatures found only on Kumejima. In addition to these stunning natural features, Yajiya-gama is a historic burial site for centuries of Kumejima's ancestors. According to traditional Okinawan burial traditions, the body of a deceased person would first be placed near the sea for 49 days, to be cleansed (eaten) by creatures in the natural world, such as birds and coconut crabs. Later, when only the bones remained, the family would wash and inter them in the cave. This tradition is called “senkotsu” (bone washing), an old Okinawan custom intended to show respect for the deceased and spirits. In a sense, Yajiya-gama is the grave of the people who lived in and around Kumejima for hundreds of years.

The "senkotsu" custom continued in various parts of Okinawa until the late 1960s. Yajiya-gama cave was also used as an air raid shelter during World War II.

Visiting Yajiya-gama

Yajiya-gama is a natural cave with no artificial lighting. Parts of the cave are in absolute darkness, and portions of the route can be slippery or narrow. It is highly recommended that guests interested in experiencing Yajiyagama book a tour of the cave with a local guide.

Guided tours of Yajiya-gama can be booked through the Kumejima Tourism Association, which focuses on human history and traditions within the cave. An additional tour offered by The Kumejima Firefly Pavilion (Kumejima Hotaru-kan) focuses on the cave's plant and wildlife. This tour provides rubber boots, hard hats, gloves and a flashlight. Both tours provide fascinating explanations of the cave's natural environment and history, but English support is limited.

Due to its unique wildlife and long-held cultural traditions, we ask that you consider Yajiya-gama not as a tourist attraction, but as a treasured local natural and cultural heritage site. During your visit, please respect the guide's instructions and the island's customs surrounding Yajiya-gama as a historical burial site. Do not touch any remains, urns, or other objects inside the cave, and avoid disturbing the wildlife that lives there.

Learn More

In 2022, travel writer Vicki L. Beyer participated in a tour of Yajiya-gama guided by The Kumejima Firefly Pavilion (Kumejima Hotaru-kan). An article detailing her experience can be found at Jigsaw-japan.com. Please check it out to learn more about the cave and prepare for your visit!