Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni -- The workweek can be long and tiring. So, when the weekend comes around, it can be easy to lock oneself in a room and never see the light of day.
It is important for servicemembers to catch up on some rest, but it is also important to get off base and out into Japan for an often-needed change of pace.
Servicemembers took a trip to the Akiyoshidai cave, the largest limestone cave in East Asia April 19 through the Single Marine Program.
“I had heard of the trip and was really interested in attending,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Javier Esparza, squadron leading petty officer for Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225. “All I had to do was swing by the Eagle’s Nest and give them $20 and my name was on the list."
The bus was filled with mare than 30 people when it departed for a two-hour excursion through the mountains.
Upon arrival, the servicemembers started walking down the long, tile pathways lined with shops leading to the cave.
Marines and sailors took a moment at the bridge entering the cave to snap photos and enjoy the scenery.
“It was amazing walking up to the opening of the cave,” said Cpl. Lydia Raynor, a mechanic for VMFA (AW)-225. “You are surrounded by trees and mountains and then all of a sudden you see this pond of crystal blue water that is pouring out of the cave."
Upon entering the cave, Marines and sailors were able to enjoy the labyrinth of trails that give way to large limestone sculptures formed by nature.
The limestone that forms Akiyoshidai cave took life as a coral reef 300-million years ago. The intricate and complex landscape of the cave is a result of rainwater, which tends to dissolve and form the rock into different patterns.
“Different rocks had different names,” said Raynor. “The rock formations had different buttons that you could press to hear the explanation on how the rock got its name.”
In order to better enjoy the caves, lights have been dramatically placed to exaggerate the shape of the enormous sculptures.
Those looking for a little adventure have the opportunity to put their climbing skills to the test while in the cave. For a donation, visitors can climb the side of the cave through passageways that lead to an amazing bird’s-eye view of the cave.
From beginning to end, the entire cave stretches 10 kilometers and maintains a temperature of roughly 17 degrees Celsius year-round.
When servicemembers exited the back of the cave, they began to make their trek back to the beginning via trails that stretched over the top of the cave.
“The walk back was beautiful with all the bamboo and wide open spaces,” said Raynor. “After the walk, we went back to all the shops and restaurants. It was fun enjoying nature and then enjoying all the tourist stuff. The trip was definitely the best of both worlds.”
The shops featured an assortment of items made from various stones.
After paying for the bus ride, admission, food and souvenirs, many Marines and sailors were impressed with how cheap the entire experience was.
“It wasn’t an expensive trip,” said Esparza. “The whole day cost me only 60 bucks. I highly recommend a trip like this to anyone looking to get off their butts and out into nature.”
The next Single Marine Program trip to the caves is June 7. Single and unaccompanied servicemembers interested in visiting the caves can stop by the Eagle’s Nest for more information. For those not eligible for the Single Marine Program, Information Tours and Travel also offers trips to the cave.