#Japan #JAL #QDS #Mine #Akiyoshi Cave

Japan's First Drone Project in Akiyoshi Cave

On June 23, 2026, Japan Airlines (JAL), the city of Mine in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and QDEN Drone Services (QDS) jointly launched an innovative project using drones to explore the stunning Akiyoshi Cave, one of Japan's largest limestone caves. This pioneering initiative marks the first time drones have been employed in a cave exploration project of this nature within Japan, aiming to enhance scientific research and boost tourism in the region.

The initiative is part of a larger push for digital transformation (DX) aimed at regional revitalization and tourism promotion in Mine City. Through state-of-the-art drone technology, the project will not only conduct preservation surveys but also explore uncharted areas of the cave, increasing its scientific value while expanding the tourism resources available to the city.

Currently, numerous limestone caves across Japan, including Akiyoshi Cave, collect data through periodic internal investigations to assess preservation needs and enhance their value as tourism sites. Yet, many areas within these caves are dark and narrow, posing risks like falls and rock collapses, which complicates traditional exploration methods. In light of these challenges, JAL, in partnership with Mine City and QDS, has initiated a three-year plan to leverage advanced drone technology for efficient and safe cave investigations.

The high-precision data collected during this project will aid in understanding the cave's formation processes, geological structures, and ecological environments. It is expected to also lead to the accumulation of quantitative cave topographical information previously unknown, fostering academic research and sparking new areas of study. Moreover, the project will explore developing caving routes that utilize newly discovered spaces to craft exciting new tourism content.

The three collaborating partners are also looking toward a future where this model can be expanded nationally, contributing to sustainable tourism and the revitalization of local communities through innovative drone technology.

Roles of Participants

• - JAL: Responsible for identifying community needs and coordinating the entire project, linking local governments and corporations.
• - Mine City: Provides resources from Akiyoshi Cave while driving a pioneering vision focused on balancing environmental conservation with tourism promotion through digital initiatives.
• - QDS: Supplies advanced drone filming technology and high-precision 3D data analysis based on extensive flight experience in narrow and dark areas.

Advantages of Using Drones

1. Uncovering the Unknown: Drones can visualize previously unreachable spaces and complex spatial structures that conventional methods cannot detect.
2. Improved Safety: The use of drones minimizes the physical risks faced by human operators in dangerous areas prone to falls and cave-ins.
3. Enhanced Efficiency: Compared to traditional human-led investigations, drone surveys can dramatically shorten operational times and reduce costs.
4. High-Precision Data Accumulation: Utilizing LiDAR (Laser) measurements, details of terrain and structures can be documented in high-resolution images and 3D models.

Equipment Used (ELIOS 3)

The ELIOS 3 is a spherical drone designed for inspections in confined, dark spaces, capable of flying under non-GPS conditions. It provides real-time scanning to develop high-precision 3D maps, allowing for quick insights into location information and the surrounding terrain.

• - Manufacturer: Flyability (Switzerland)
• - Size: L480mm × W480mm × H380mm
• - Weight: 1,960g (drone only) / 2,412g (drone with LiDAR)
• - Flight Time: 12.5 minutes (without payload) / 9.0 minutes (with LiDAR) / 8.2 minutes (maximum load)

For more information about Akiyoshi Cave and the ongoing project, please visit Akiyoshi Cave Official Site.

About Akiyoshi Cave

Located in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Akiyoshi Cave is a special natural monument stretching over 11.2 km, making it one of Japan's largest limestone caves. The vast sightseeing routes formed by horizontal holes coexist with several vertical shafts connecting to the karst plateau above, presenting an intricate maze structure that lends itself well to the unique flight capabilities of drones.

UNESCO Global Geopark Recognition

On April 23, 2026, Mine City was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to accelerate efforts to protect and utilize its internationally valuable geological and geomorphological heritage, including Akiyoshi Cave and the Akiyoshidai Plateau, for sustainable geotourism essentials.