Behold, the wondrous caves and fascinating rock formations of Eastern Japan!
When we think about Japan’s natural splendour, we often envision images of picturesque flower fields, magnificent mountain landscapes, panoramic sea views, and vibrant colours of the four seasons. However, the country’s natural beauty extends beyond that, as it may come in less common forms, such as caves and rock formations.
Perhaps unbeknownst to many people, Japan is home to several fascinating limestone caves and rock formations that would leave visitors in awe. Such caves are formed naturally over many years—some over centuries, others even over millions of years—and some rock formations are formed by volcanic eruptions and erosion by sea waves over long periods of time.
Selected caves and rock formations in Eastern Japan. (Image credit: JR Times)
It may surprise you, but Eastern Japan is home to many fascinating caves and rock formations. They can be found in locations ranging from the remote peninsula in the northernmost prefecture of Aomori to an area that is only a short train ride away from the capital city of Tokyo, and though they may not strike you as common tourist spots among visitors, they are hidden gems that are spectacular in their own right. For this article, we shall check out some of the most amazing gifts from Mother Nature in the region. Ready? Let’s go!
① Hotokegaura (仏ヶ浦)
Aomori Prefecture (青森県)
Hotokegaura in the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori. (Image credit: Aomori Prefecture)
For our first destination, we head up to Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of the Tohoku Region (東北地方 Tōhoku-chihō). When it comes to nature, the prefecture is mostly known for its seasonal colours, from the pinkish hues of spring to the powdery white snow of the winter. But in the far northeastern part of Aomori lies a peninsula that is known for its untouched and dramatic natural beauty.
The Shimokita Peninsula (下北半島 Shimokita-hantō) is an axe handle-shaped peninsula that lies on the northeastern tip of Aomori. It is separated from Hokkaido by the Tsugaru Strait (津軽海峡 Tsugaru-kaikyō), which is also a flourishing breeding ground for bluefin tuna, and it also experiences heavy snowfall during winter. It is also home to a series of exceptional rock formations that would fascinate visitors.
Hotokegaura’s uniquely shaped rock formations. (Image credit: Aomori Prefecture)
Hotokegaura (仏ヶ浦) is a series of uniquely shaped rock formations found on the western part of the Shimokita Peninsula. Located along the coastline stretching more than 2km, the rock formations are the result of hardened volcanic ash after a volcano eruption took place millions of years ago, and natural erosion by sea waves and rain over the years.
Hotokegaura gained popularity as a tourist destination after poet and mountaineer Ōmachi Keigetsu (大町桂月) paid a visit in 1922. He was so moved by its magnificent view that he composed a poem that has become a timeless classic. Furthermore, Hotokegaura was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty (名勝 meishō) and Natural Monument (天然記念物 Tennen Kinenbutsu) in 1941.
Exploring Hotokegaura by sightseeing boat. (Image credit: Aomori Prefecture)
For a full experience of the entire shoreline, why not try hopping on a sightseeing boat? Visitors can take a boat ride from a port located in the village of Sai (佐井村), and witness the eye-catching rock formations as well as enjoy the breathtaking view of the deep blue sea as their boat heads towards the south of Hotokegaura. On a clear day, they can even see Hokkaido and dolphins while on the boat!
Hotokegaura’s rocky shores. (Image credit: Aomori Prefecture)
Once there, the visitors have 30 minutes to spend time exploring the rock formations, and leisurely traverse the shores on foot. It is a holistic experience where they can view the rocks both from afar and up-close, thereby enjoying views from different angles altogether. The boat ride takes 90 minutes, including the 30 minutes at Hotokegaura, and makes for an unforgettable experience for all visitors to the place.
Hotokegaura (仏ヶ浦) / Sightseeing Boat Ride
Address: 112 Osai, Sai-mura, Shimokita, Aomori 039-4711
Access: 140-minute *Shimokita Kotsu bus ride from JR Shimokita Station (JR下北駅)
Operating hours:
April–October: 6am–5:45pm
November–March: 8:30am–4:30pm
Admission fees: ¥2,500 per adult for return trip
*Take note that the bus ride is not covered by the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area).
② Godzilla Rock (ゴジラ岩)
Akita Prefecture (秋田県)
Godzilla Rock in the Oga Peninsula in Akita. (Image credit: 秋田県観光連盟)
Next, we move over to the prefecture of Akita which, like Aomori, is also known for its pristine natural splendour. The prefecture is famous for its scenic western shorelines that directly face the Sea of Japan, and is also home to one of the most scenic train lines in Japan. And just like Aomori, Akita also has a peninsula that features one particularly striking rock formation.
Do you know that in the western peninsula of Oga (男鹿半島 Oga-hantō), there lies a peculiar rock shaped like one of Japan’s most recognised pop culture icons? It is aptly named Godzilla Rock (ゴジラ岩 Gojira-iwa) because of its uncanny resemblance to the fictional monster, and it can be found on the southern tip of the Oga Peninsula.
Godzilla Rock during sunset. (Image credit: 秋田県観光連盟)
The rock’s resemblance to Godzilla is remarkably uncanny, and becomes more pronounced during sunset when visitors will get to enjoy a dark silhouette of the iconic monster. When viewed at the right angle, the sun setting on the rock formation may even look like Godzilla breathing fire!
Unosaki Beach. (Image credit: 秋田県観光連盟)
While paying a visit to Godzilla Rock, why not make a detour to one of the most unique beaches in the region? Located approximately 6km away from Godzilla Rock is Unosaki Beach (鵜ノ崎海岸 Unosaki-kaigan), which is known for its picturesque rocky terrain and wide coastline.
Unosaki Beach at sunset. (Image credit: 秋田県観光連盟)
What makes this beach unique is its shallow depth: visitors can walk up to 200m out to sea, and even collect seashells to their hearts’ content. One tip for visitors here? Do not miss the spectacular sunset scenery here, where you can see the sun gradually setting over the endless horizon!
Godzilla Rock (ゴジラ岩)
Address: Babazaki, Honzanmon-mae, Funagawaminato, Oga, Akita 010-0535
Access: 30-minute bus ride on the *Oga-Minami Line (男鹿南線) from JR Oga Station (JR男鹿駅), followed by 10-minute walk to the rock
*Take note that the Oga-Minami bus line is not covered by the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area).
Unosaki Beach (鵜ノ崎海岸)
Address: Unosaki, Funagawaminato Daishima, Oga, Akita 010-0531
Access: 20-minute bus ride on the Oga-Minami Line (男鹿南線) from JR Oga Station (JR男鹿駅), followed by 5-minute walk to the beach
③ Sanriku Coast (三陸海岸)
Iwate Prefecture (岩手県)
Kitayamazaki in Iwate during summer. (Image credit: 岩手県観光協会)
Next up, we move to the prefecture of Iwate, located in the eastern part of the Tohoku Region. Directly facing the Pacific Ocean, the prefecture has always been renowned for its wonderful sea views, especially those along the Sanriku Coast (三陸海岸 Sanriku-kaigan). Some of the most magnificent rock formations in the region can also be found along this 600km-long coastline.
Kitayamazaki during winter. (Image credit: 岩手県観光協会)
First up, feast your eyes on Kitayamazaki, a wondrous series of cliffs along an 8km-long stretch of coastline that is often regarded as one of the most impressive natural landscapes in the Tohoku Region. The Sanriku Coast is known for its craggy and rocky coastline, and Kitayamazaki is a perfect example that showcases its picturesque scenery, with imposing 200m-high rock formations that are formed naturally by sea waves over many years.
Sightseeing cruise around Kitayamazaki. (Image credit: Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization)
Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of Kitayamazaki in a few ways, one of which is by the Kitayamazaki Observatory (北山崎展望台 Kitayamazaki Tenbōdai), where they can relish magnificent views of the cliff from three different decks on the observatory. Or if they would like more up-close views of the cliffs, they can take a 50-minute sightseeing boat ride and view the rock formations from the sea. Witnessing the larger-than-life rocky cliffs while enjoying the cries of seagulls and the salty sea breeze of the Pacific Ocean is a memorable experience, don’t you think?
Kitayamazaki (北山崎)
Address: Kitayama, Tanohata, Shimohei, Iwate 028-8402
Access: 10-minute taxi ride from Tanohata Station (田野畑駅) on the *Sanriku Railway Rias Line (三陸鉄道リアス線)
*Take note that the Sanriku Railway Rias Line is not covered by the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area).
Kitayamazaki Cliff Cruise (北山崎断崖クルーズ観光船)
Address: 104-2 Shimanokoshi, Tanohata, Shimohei, Iwate 028-8404
Access: 10-minute walk from Shimanokoshi Station (島越駅駅) on the Sanriku Railway Rias Line (三陸鉄道リアス線)
Operating period: 29 April–6 November
Admission fees: ¥1,500 per adult
Unosu Cliff. (Image credit: 岩手県観光協会)
Just south of Kitayamazaki is another wondrous series of cliffs that visitors should not miss while exploring the Sanriku Coast in Iwate. The Unosu Cliff (鵜の巣断崖 Unosu-dangai) is a 4km coastline stretch featuring cliffs towering 200m that face out to the Pacific Ocean, and it has one outstanding characteristic that will capture visitors’ attention.
The Unosu Cliff has five rocky cliffs which are said to resemble a folding screen, and visitors can have a glorious view of them by climbing up an observatory deck nearby. Plus, viewers will be able to see amazing wild birds such as ospreys and eagles out there, as they build their nests on the mid-slopes of the cliffs.
Unosu Cliff (鵜の巣断崖)
Address: Magizawa, Tanohata, Shimohei, Iwate 028-8405
Access: 25-minute taxi ride from Shimanokoshi Station (島越駅) on the Sanriku Railway Rias Line (三陸鉄道リアス線).
Jodogahama Beach. (Image credit: 岩手県観光協会)
Deep-blue waters, white pebble beach, jagged rock formations… sounds like a scene right out of a colourful painting, doesn’t it? Another location along the Sanriku Coast that has been regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in Iwate is the Jodogahama Beach (浄土ヶ浜 Jо̄dogahama).
Here, visitors can enjoy looking at the beautiful, jagged rocks and strolling on the beach’s iconic white pebbled shoreline. For a spectacular view of the beach, visitors can take a 20-minute walk to the Odaiba Observatory (御台場展望台 Odaiba-tenbōdai) and climb up to enjoy a panoramic view of it.
Jodogahama Beach’s jagged rock formations. (Image credit: 岩手県観光協会)
It is claimed that the beach, whose name translates to “Pure Land Beach”, was as beautiful as the Buddhist Paradise (浄土 Jо̄do) by when it was visited by a Buddhist monk centuries ago. Why don’t you pay a visit here and see the beauty for yourself? Perhaps you would agree that this beach is indeed a paradise!
Jodogahama Beach (浄土ヶ浜)
Address: Jodogahama, Hitachihama-cho, Iwate 027-0001
Access: 15-minute bus ride from Miyako Station (宮古駅)
④ Ryusendo Cave (龍泉洞)
Iwate Prefecture (岩手県)
Ryusendo in Iwate. (Image credit: photoAC)
Iwate is home to awe-inspiring cliffs and uniquely shaped rock formations, as we have seen with the likes of Kitayamazaki, Unosu Cliffs, and Jodogahama Beach along the Sanriku Coast. But do you know that the prefecture also has one of the Three Great Limestone Caves of Japan?
Ryusendo Cave (龍泉洞 Ryūsendō) is a limestone cave that runs deep underground in the town of Iwaizumi (岩泉町). Designated as a Natural Monument in 1934, it is one of the Three Great Limestone Caves of Japan alongside Akiyoshidō (秋芳洞) in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Ryūgadō (龍河洞) in Kochi Prefecture.
One of Ryusendo’s underground lakes. (Image credit: 岩手県観光協会)
The cave is thought to be up to 5,000m long and has up to eight underground lakes in total, but only 700m of the cave and three of the underground lakes are open to the public. Visitors would feel like they are stepping into a different and fascinating world upon descending into the cave, which features brilliant blue waters and remarkable icicle-shaped stalactites hanging from the cave walls. Moreover, they can learn more about the different species of bats that dwell within the cave!
Stalactites hanging on the cave walls. (Image credit: 岩手県観光協会)
Entering a cave may sound intimidating to those afraid of the dark, but worry not: the cave is also well-lit with LED lights for an immersive ambience, and there are plenty of walkways built so navigating the cave is relatively easy. What’s more, they can pay a visit to Ryusen Shindo Science Museum, which is another cave nearby that has been regarded as the world’s first “natural cave science museum” for its rich geological exhibits!
Ryusendo Cave (龍泉洞)
Address: 1-1 Aza Kannari, Iwaizumi, Shimohei, Iwate 027-0501
Access: 130-minute bus ride from JR Morioka Station (JR盛岡駅)
Operating hours: 9am–4pm
Admission fees: ¥1,100 per adult
⑤ Rokando Cave (滝観洞)
Iwate Prefecture (岩手県)
Rokando Cave in Iwate. (Image credit: Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization)
If you really love cave exploration, then the fun doesn’t end with Ryusendo in Iwate. The prefecture offers yet another exciting cave that visitors can explore, and this one has a exciting surprise for all those who dare to go inside. The Rokando Cave (滝観洞 Rōkandō) is a limestone cave located in the town of Sumita (住田町) in the southern part of Iwate. Formed millions of years ago, the cave is over 3,000m long, but only 880m of the cave is open to the public.
Ama no Iwato no Taki Waterfall. (Image credit: 岩手県観光協会)
At the end of the 880m cave trail, there is a large cave dome the houses the largest waterfall in Japan that is inside a cave. It is named Ama no Iwato no Taki (天の岩戸の滝), which translates to “waterfall of the heavenly cave”, and it has a 29m drop from a crevice in the cave ceiling and a small underground lake as its basin. A breathtaking waterfall inside a cave… how often would you get to see something like that!
Visitors need to take caution, however: although the cave is well-lit, the path inside is winding and has low ceilings, so wearing a helmet is highly encouraged when entering the cave. Helmets, along with raincoats and rain boots, are available at the entrance of the cave, so visitors may borrow them before entering the cave.
Rokando Cave (滝観洞)
Address: 298-81 Tsuchikura, Kamiarisu, Sumita, Kesen, Iwate 029-2501
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Kami-Arisu Station (JR上有住駅)
Operating hours:
*April–October: 8:30am–4:30pm
**November–March: 8:30am–4pm
Admission fees: ¥1,100 per adult
*Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the cave is open until 4pm.
**From November to February, the cave is open only on weekends and national holidays.
⑥ Sasagawa Nagare (笹川流れ)
Niigata Prefecture (新潟県)
Sasagawa Nagare in Niigata. (Image credit: 新潟県観光協会)
Visitors get to enjoy viewing striking rock formations and the vast Pacific Ocean on the eastern side of the Tohoku Region, but what about the western side of the region? For that, they can make their way to the prefecture of Niigata, where they get to enjoy more splendid views of naturally formed rock formations amidst an open sea.
Sasagawa Nagare (笹川流れ) is an extensive and scenic coastline that directly faces the Sea of Japan. Located in the city of Murakami (村上市) and stretching up to 11km, the coastline has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument in 1972, and is also selected as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan.
Megane-iwa. (Image credit: 新潟県観光協会)
The outstanding feature of the coastline is the jagged rock formations jutting out of the sea along the shoreline, formed over many years by soil and sea wave erosion. Some of them are even named for their unique shapes: look out for Megane-iwa (眼鏡岩 spectacles rock) and Kyōryū-iwa (恐竜岩 dinosaur rock), which are said to resemble a pair of spectacles and a dinosaur respectively!
What’s the best way to enjoy the spectacular views of Sasagawa Nagare? With a boat ride, of course. Visitors can choose to ride a 40-minute sightseeing cruise that highlights the charms of the scenic coastline, and enjoy the views of the imposing rock formations, as well as the refreshing sea breeze and the cries of the seagulls while riding the boat. It’s a memorable experience that visitors would not want to miss.
Sasagawa Nagare (笹川流れ)
Address: Kuwagawa, Murakami-shi, Niigata 959-3665
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Kuwagawa Station (JR桑川駅)
Sasagawa Nagare Sightseeing Cruise
Address: 970 Kuwagawa, Murakami, Niigata 959-3665
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Kuwagawa Station (JR桑川駅)
Operating hours: 9am–5pm (28 March–24 November only)
Admission fees: ¥1,200 per adult per round trip
⑦ Abukuma Cave (あぶくま洞)
Fukushima Prefecture (福島県)
Abukuma Cave in Fukushima. (Image credit: 福島県観光物産交流協会)
Fukushima is known for many things: gorgeous nature, a gastronomical haven, and an epicentre of rich history and heritage. However, it may surprise many people that the prefecture is home to an impressive cave that is unlike any other in Japan. Abukuma Cave (あぶくま洞 Abukuma-dō) is a limestone cave located near the city of Tamura (田村市) in the eastern part of Fukushima. It was formed over the course of 80 million years and has a total length of 3,300m, with only approximately 600m open to the public.
Abukuma Cave illuminated by stage lighting. (Image credit: 福島県観光物産交流協会)
Visitors are in for some surprises as they make their way into the cave. It is split into several sections and halls that visitors can explore, such as Takine-Goten (滝根御殿 Takine Hall), the largest hall in the cave, and Tsuki no Sekai (月の世界 Moon World), a hall that is illuminated with colourful stage lighting to render it a dramatic sight that would leave a strong impression on all visitors.
Christmas Tree. (Image credit: 福島県観光物産交流協会)
What’s more, the cave is filled with fascinating rock formations, each named for its unique characteristics. Visitors can feast their eyes on Yōkai no Tō (妖怪の塔 Tower of Ghosts), a collection of stalactites that resemble ghosts; Kinoko-iwa (きのこ岩), a rock shaped like a mushroom; and Juhyō (樹氷 snow monster), a stone column that looks like a frost-covered tree. Perhaps the most striking one of all is the Christmas Tree (クリスマスツリー), a massive stalagmite that looks like a Christmas tree!
Lavender flowers outside Abukuma Cave. (Image credit: 福島県観光物産交流協会)
For visitors coming to see Abukuma Cave from mid-June to July, they have another bonus treat waiting outside the cave. During this period, they will get to see the hill slopes nearby covered with up to 50,000 lavender plants. It’s a wonderful view that’s a stark contrast to the amazing world of rock formations, and visitors will be blessed to be able to see both at the same time!
Abukuma Cave (あぶくま洞)
Address: 1 Higashi-Kamayama, Sugaya, Takine-machi, Tamura, Fukushima 963-3601
Access: 10-minute taxi ride from JR Kammata Station (JR神俣駅)
Operating hours:
1 April–20 June: 8:30am–5pm
21 June–30 September: 8:30am–5:30pm
1 October–20 November: 8:30am–5pm
21 November–13 March: 8:30am–4:30pm
14 March–31 March: 8:30am–5pm
Admission fees: ¥1,200 per adult
(Note: Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear sports shoes, as there are up to 300 steps going down the cave.)
⑧ Narusawa Ice Cave (鳴沢氷穴)
Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県)
Narusawa Ice Cave in Yamanashi. (Image credit: photoAC)
When we think about the natural splendour of Yamanashi Prefecture, we often envision the imposing view of Mount Fuji (富士山 Fuji-san), Japan’s highest and most iconic mountain, or the delightful scenery of the Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖 Fuji-goko) and its vivid seasonal colours. But do you know that the prefecture is also home to an enchanting cave that is covered in ice?
The Narusawa Ice Cave (鳴沢氷穴 Narusawa-hyōketsu) is a cave located at the base of Mount Fuji near the village of Narusawa (鳴沢村) in Yamanashi. Specifically, it is a lava tube formed by lava from an eruption from Mount Fuji that took place more than a thousand years ago. The lava’s outer layers were hardened as a result of being cooled from the outside in, and the remaining lava that flowed through gradually formed a tunnel that resembles a large tube.
Ice formations inside Narusawa Ice Cave. (Image credit: Yamanashi Prefecture)
Imagine yourself walking into a dark cave filled with hauntingly beautiful ice formations. Sounds like a scene from a fantasy, doesn’t it? Unlike most other caves, this one is filled with ice formations which are made possible because of the low temperatures inside, averaging approximately 3°C. These ice formations are a lot bigger during winter when the temperature drops even further, and many visitors have claimed that winter is the best time to visit the cave.
Stacked ice walls inside the cave. (Image credit: Yamanashi Prefecture)
The cave also has an interesting history: because of its naturally formed ice, it was historically used by the locals as a natural refrigerator before the advent of electrical refrigerators. Plus, the place has been used as a cool shelter during warm days, and to this day, it still serves as a refreshing getaway from the heat, especially during summer.
Narusawa Ice Cave (鳴沢氷穴)
Address: 8533 Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0320
Access: 20-minute bus ride on the *Fujikyu local bus from Kawaguchiko Station (河口湖駅)
Operating hours: 9am–5pm
Admission fees: ¥350 per adult
(Note: Ice formations are dependent on the temperature inside the cave and weather conditions, so there may be days without them. Visitors are also strongly encouraged to wear proper footwear and take caution when inside the cave because of the slippery ground.)
*Take note that the Fujikyu local bus is not covered by the JR East passes. As for the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station, it is covered by the JR TOKYO Wide Pass only.
Closing
Exploring caves and rock formations is a less conventional way of admiring the natural beauty of Japan. However, these rocks found in the underground caves and amidst the coastlines are prehistorical remnants that have formed over many years, fascinating many visitors throughout generations.
Although the caves may seem intimidating for some visitors at first, especially for those afraid of the dark and narrow spaces, these underground gems are a marvellous sight to behold, and it is definitely worth their time to check the spots out. And although the view of the sea already makes for a wonderful view, the rock formations found on the shoreline make it even more grand and dramatic.
So why not be more adventurous the next time you travel to Eastern Japan, and venture to these lesser-known spots? They will amaze you the moment you lay your eyes on them, and it would make for an exciting adventure that you won’t regret!
JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)
The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) and where you can use it. (Image credit: JR East)
If you would like to visit the caves and rock formations in the Tohoku Region, check out the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), an affordable pass that offers unlimited rail travel on JR East lines in the valid area for 5 consecutive days. At only ¥30,000, it makes for a great option for railway travellers.
The pass can be used for automatic ticket gates, and foreign passport holders living in Japan are also eligible to use it. You can also make seat reservations for bullet trains, some limited express trains and Joyful Trains online for free, up to 1 month in advance, on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.
JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) and where you can use it. (Image credit: JR East)
If you’re planning to visit Sasagawa Nagare and other scenic spots in Nagano and Niigata, check out the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area), which offers unlimited rail travel on JR East lines (including bullet trains) in the valid area for 5 consecutive days. At only ¥27,000, it makes for a great option for railway travellers.
The pass can be used for automatic ticket gates, and foreign passport holders living in Japan are also eligible to use it. You can also make seat reservations for bullet trains, some limited express trains and Joyful Trains online for free, up to 1 month in advance, on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.
JR TOKYO Wide Pass
The JR TOKYO Wide Pass and where you can use it. (Image credit: JR East)
If you’re planning to visit Narusawa Ice Cave and the areas around Mount Fuji and in the Tokyo region, consider the JR TOKYO Wide Pass, an affordable pass that offers unlimited rail travel on JR East lines (including bullet trains) in the valid area for 3 consecutive days. At only ¥15,000, it makes for a great option for those planning to travel to regions around Tokyo. You can also make seat reservations for bullet trains, some limited express trains and Joyful Trains online for free, up to 1 month in advance, on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.
The JR-EAST Train Reservation. (Image credit: JR East)
Header image credit: (Clockwise from top left) Aomori Prefecture, 岩手県観光協会, Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization, 福島県観光物産交流協会, illustAC
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