Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park | |
---|---|
秋吉台国定公園 | |
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
|
|
Karst pinnacles at Akiyoshidai
|
|
Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park | |
Location | Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan |
Nearest city | Mine |
Coordinates | 34°13′55″N 131°18′10″E / 34.2320°N 131.3027°ECoordinates: 34°13′55″N 131°18′10″E / 34.2320°N 131.3027°E |
Area | 45.02 square kilometres (17 sq mi) |
Established | November 1, 1955 |
Governing body | Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan |
Akiyoshidai Kokutei Kōen (秋吉台国定公園?) is a Quasi-National Park in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. It was founded on 1 November 1955 and has an area of 45.02 km².
It includes part of the Akiyoshi plateau (秋吉台 Akiyoshidai?), a 130 square kilometre area of karst topography, as well as over 400 limestone caves, including Japan’s longest cave, the Akiyoshidō (秋芳洞?), which has the additional status of a Special Natural Monument. The area is rated a protected landscape (category V) according to the IUCN. Like all Quasi-National Parks in Japan, the park is managed by the local prefectural government.
The Akiyoshidai Groundwater System is a Ramsar Site and wetland of international importance.
Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park is served by a natural history museum, visitor centre, rest house, youth hostel and park headquarters building, and is traversed by a scenic roadway and several walking trails. Events include a fireworks festival in July, a “Karst Walk” in November, and an annual burning off of dry grasses in February called “Yamayaki”.