The first known limestone cave site in Hokkaido

Misato Cave is a limestone cave formed by erosion of limestone in the Misato district of Kitami City, located halfway up Mount Nigoro. It is also known as the first limestone cave site confirmed in Hokkaido.

Visiting Misato Cave
Misato Cave is open to the public from July 1 to October 31 every year, during which time grass is cut and other pathways are maintained. During the winter and spring, the pathway is often covered with snow, making it difficult to pass through.

Directions to Misato Cave
Misato Cave is located approximately 5.5 km from the forest road entrance. Follow the forest road and take the fork at this sign to the downhill slope on the right. No vehicles are allowed from the fork, so please proceed on foot. At the bottom of the hill you will come to a wooden bridge. After crossing the bridge, a steep slope continues up to the cave. The path is narrow and slippery in places, so please walk with caution.

Remains of Biri Cave
It is known that the Misato Cave was used as a camping site by people in ancient times. Excavations have uncovered artifacts from various periods, including the Ainu culture period, the Jomon period, and some artifacts are thought to date back to the Late Paleolithic period.