Kameiwa Cave and its reflection on the surface of the water can form a giant heart shape at the right time.

Introduction to Kameiwa Cave

Kameiwa Cave is located within the Shimizu Keiryu Park in Chiba Prefecture, known for its breathtaking beauty that captivates countless visitors. The nature here is reminiscent of the lush and romantic landscape from Studio Ghibli movies. Especially under the right conditions, you may witness a miraculous “heart shape” formed by the reflection in the water.

In fact, the Kameiwa cave is an artificial cave. Around 1660, the cave was created to supply irrigation water to the nearby rice fields. The irrigation technique is called “川廻し – Kawa-mawashi”, and some locals refer to the cave as the “Kawa-mawashi tunnel”. The name Kameiwa comes from one of the rocks that resembles a turtle (亀 – kame) inside the cave.

Pondering Heart: The Famous Kameiwa Cave Scene

Kameiwa Cave is surrounded by lush green trees. The landscape here changes with the seasons: in summer, the area is covered with greenery, while in autumn, you can admire the glow of red leaves. The most notable feature of Kameiwa Cave is the reflection it creates.

At the appropriate moment, the sunlight shines into the cave and creates a heart shape from the shadow reflected on the surface of the water. So what are the specific conditions to witness this unique scene?

First, you need to come here early in the morning of March or September, or a few days before the vernal or autumnal equinox.

Second, the weather should be sunny and clear, with a bit of moisture in the air.

Finally, it is essential to have little or no wind. The area around the cave is not usually windy, so you shouldn’t worry too much about this.

Even if you can’t capture the heart-shaped image, you’ll still be greeted by a magnificent sight when the sunlight shines through the cave. You may want to hike down the river for proper photo angles, so be sure to pack waterproof shoes or sandals.