Inside is a large pumpkin-shaped stalactite, hence its nickname, "Pumpkin Cave."
An agreement to protect this limestone cave, the "Bora Kubakundai Limestone Cave Conservation and Utilization Agreement," was certified by Okinawa Prefecture in 2022.
This article explains the reasons for establishing this agreement and the benefits of receiving certification.
Here's a summary of what will change in the future.
What will change with the certification of the "Pumpkin Cave" conservation agreement?
What is the "Bora Kubakundai Limestone Cave"?
Reasons for the creation of the conservation and utilization agreement
What are the new rules?
Summary
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What will change with the certification of the "Pumpkin Cave" conservation agreement?
"Bora Kubakundai Limestone Cave" is a unique limestone cave located in the southeastern area of Miyako Island, where the entrance to the cave is only open during limited hours. Inside, there is a large pumpkin-shaped stalactite, and it is also known as "Pumpkin Cave."
In 2022, the "Bora Kubakundai Limestone Cave Conservation and Utilization Agreement" was certified by Okinawa Prefecture. This agreement aims to "protect the limestone caves" on Miyako Island.
Eight businesses have signed this agreement.
*The conservation and utilization agreement becomes effective when it is signed by a majority of the businesses using the agreed area.*
<Companies that have signed the agreement>
・Island Works Co., Ltd.
・Blue season
・Wara LLC
・Tide Co., Ltd.
Oceans21
・REEF KNOT
・Kayak Yamachan
・SEA ENJOY
Before this agreement was established, there were no clear rules for entering limestone caves. As a result, various violations occurred, and environmental damage progressed... There was also the possibility of accidents that could have resulted in loss of life.
I would like to share this agreement with tourists visiting Miyako Island!
What is the "Bora Kubakundai Limestone Cave"?
"Bora Kubakundai Limestone Cave" is a rare cave whose entrance is only open during limited hours. Inside, there is a large pumpkin-shaped stalactite, and it is also known as "Pumpkin Cave."
The "Bora Kubakundai Limestone Cave" has long been cherished by locals as a sacred site, a place of important prayer. Inside the cave, icicle-shaped stalactites and stalagmites create a truly mystical space. There is also a legend that "the god of the Dragon Palace resides" within the cave, making it one of Miyako Island's most powerful spiritual spots!
Reasons for the creation of the conservation and utilization agreement
What was the purpose of this agreement in the first place?
First, let me explain the reasons from five different perspectives!
Reason ①: To protect coral reefs
Inside the cave system, coral reefs stretch out. There is a risk that the coral will be destroyed by tourists carelessly trampling on it. Also, the sea area where the cave system is located has long been known as a good fishing ground. However, if the coral is destroyed, fish will stop coming near the area as well.
Actually, a few years ago, there was a year when no typhoons hit Miyako Island, and the coral reefs bleached. Over many years, the coral has been slowly recovering. In order to protect the coral that has finally returned, it is absolutely forbidden to trample on it.
Reason ②: To protect the stalactites
A limestone cave is a cavern where stalactites and stalagmites form in limestone strata. Stalactites come in a variety of shapes, including those that hang down like icicles and those that grow as if they are growing out of the ground.
Depending on the environment, stalactites are said to grow only about 1 cm in 100 years. In other words, it took an incredibly long time for a cave to reach its current state. If you enter a cave without proper knowledge, there is a risk of accidentally breaking a stalactite.
Reason ③: To prevent the unauthorized collection of the clay layer "Kucha".
"Kucha" refers to a precious natural mudstone that can only be found in Okinawa. It is rich in calcium and minerals and is said to have beauty benefits.
Kucha clay is also found adhering to the walls of the Bora Kubakundai limestone cave, and there have been numerous incidents of tourists and businesses illegally taking it away.
Reason ④: Because some people take pictures in prohibited areas.
The Bora Kubakundai Limestone Cave is a very important place for the local residents. It is revered as an utaki (sacred grove) and is a sacred place where prayers are offered.
Inside the cave, there are sacred areas where photography is prohibited. Taking pictures unknowingly can be seen as disrespecting the feelings of those who protect this place.
Reason 5: To prevent accidents inside the cave.
The entrance to the Bora Kubakundai Limestone Cave is located underwater. Access is limited to certain times of day. This means that at certain times, the entrance is blocked by seawater.
In the past, there have been incidents where the tide has blocked the entrance to the cave, trapping people inside and requiring the Japan Coast Guard to be dispatched. Furthermore, in the worst-case scenario, people could be swept away by the waves and go missing…
Entering without proper knowledge can lead to life-threatening accidents.
For the five reasons mentioned above, please refrain from going to the caves on your own or using tours from companies other than those with which we have agreements!
When taking a tour of the Bora Kubakundai Limestone Cave, it is recommended to check in advance whether the tour operator you plan to use is a participating business.
What are the new rules?
So, what rules were established as a result of the "Bora Kubakundai Limestone Cave Conservation and Utilization Agreement"? Let's take a look at some of the key rules that you should be aware of beforehand!
● Maximum number of visitors per day is limited to 80 people.
Previously, there were no restrictions on the number of visitors per day, but with the enactment of this agreement, the total number of visitors across all operators will now be limited to 80. Maintaining a consistent number of visitors even during peak seasons will ensure safe tour operations and make it easier to inform tourists about the rules.
● Each guide can guide a maximum of 8 people.
Only guides certified by the Okinawa Kayak & Canoe Association (OKCA), a non-profit organization, are allowed to conduct tours, and furthermore, there is a limit of 8 people per tour.
● Tours always use kayaks or SUPs.
Because walking would damage the coral reefs along the way, it has become mandatory to use kayaks or SUPs.
●Photography is prohibited inside the cave.
The inside of the limestone cave is a sacred site. Therefore, photography is strictly prohibited inside the cave. Photography is only permitted near the entrance and exit.
Summary
For the reasons mentioned above, choosing a tour operator that participates in the agreement directly contributes to protecting the environment of Miyako Island. When participating in a cave tour, please be sure to choose a tour from an operator that has signed the agreement!
Miyako Island is a place with many valuable tourist resources, including limestone caves. This agreement is the first step in protecting this precious natural environment. We, as operators, will conduct tours while adhering to the rules, and we would like tourists to also be aware of these efforts.
