Ryūchi Cave

is one of the big three unexplored sage regions, a legendary place that is equally famous as the other two, Mount Myōboku and Shikkotsu Forest. It is the residence of the snakes — including the sacred White Snake Sage — and is also where Orochimaru uncovered the source of Jūgo's clan's abilities. Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi trained here to achieve Sage Mode, though only the latter was successful in this endeavour. Unlike the toads of Mount Myōboku, the snakes of Ryūchi Cave don't seem to have any affiliation with Konohagakure, despite at least three of their summoners originating from the village. Also, three of their snakes seemed to show no hesitation in destroying the village itself.

Overview
In the anime, journey to Ryūchi Cave takes only a couple days from Konohagakure. While many travellers may venture close to it unknowingly, the snakes of Ryūchi Cave take precautions so that only those who are deliberately trying to visit it can arrive at it. In their experience, only those willing to sacrifice anything in their greed for power come to Ryūchi Cave. In order to be granted audience to learn senjutsu with the White Snake Sage, one must pass three trials posed by the snakes. According to the rules, if a candidate fails at any of the trials, the snakes are allowed to devour them and consume their chakra. At least one section of the cave is made of limestone, and despite nominally being a cave, its territories also include wetlands.

Inhabitants

 * Garaga

Known Summoners

 * Orochimaru
 * Anko Mitarashi
 * Kabuto Yakushi
 * Sasuke Uchiha
 * Mitsuki