Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Ryugu Sea Cave is a circular cavern formed by the collapse of a sea cave and its ceiling in Toji, Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture. A tunnel-like cave was formed by long-standing erosion by the sea, and when part of the ceiling collapsed, a large circular "sky" opened up in the ceiling, creating a unique view from inside the cavern that allows you to look up at the sky and sea.
A distinctive feature of the cave is that the opening at the top looks like a naturally formed "window," and on sunny days the blue of the sea and sky reflects inside the cave, making it very photogenic. Also, there are days and angles when it looks like a "heart" when viewed from above, and in recent years it has been attracting attention as a spot for love and matchmaking.
Highlights
- A circular opening seen from inside the cave: the contrast between the sea and sky seen through the "dome" created by the collapsed ceiling is beautiful.
- Heart-shaped window (photo spot): When photographed from the upper edge, it has an angle that makes it look like a heart, making it popular with couples and photography enthusiasts.
- Walking around the inside of the cave: It is small enough that you can walk around it in a few minutes, but you can enjoy it even in a short time as its appearance changes depending on the waves and light.
- Nearby coastal scenery: The coastline around Ryugu Sea Cave is beautiful, and the views from the walking paths and the rocky areas and cliffs are also attractive.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Izukyu Line, Izukyu-Shimoda Station (most common access point is Izukyu-Shimoda Station).
- Public transportation: From Shimoda Station, take a Tokai Bus bound for Toji, get off at the Toji bus stop, and walk for a few minutes (routes and times change depending on the season, so it is recommended to check in advance).
- By car: Accessible via national and prefectural roads on the Izu Peninsula. Approximately 15-25 minutes by car from Shimoda Station (depending on traffic conditions). There is a small parking space nearby, but the number of spaces is limited, so when it is crowded, you will need to park on the street or use a parking lot further away.
- Walking: It is possible to walk here from other tourist spots around Tono (such as Tono Beach), so it is recommended to combine this with a stroll.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Observation only: 15-30 minutes (including photography)
- Including a stroll around the area: 1-2 hours (touring nearby beaches and viewpoints)
Nearby spots
- Tagoushi Beach (Tagoushi Coast): You can enjoy swimming in the tide pools and shallow beaches in the summer.
- Beaches around Shimoda, such as Shirahama, Tatado, and Kujuhama: There are several beautiful coastlines within driving distance.
- Shimoda Park, Shimoda Port, Perry Road: Tourist spots in Shimoda city where you can enjoy history and walking around the city.
- Nearby observation points: We also recommend the views from the observation points on the coastal cliffs and capes.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The park is crowded on weekends, public holidays, during the spring and summer tourist season, and during Golden Week. Parking lots tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend leaving early or using public transportation.
- Safety: The rocks inside and around the cave are slippery and have uneven steps. Wear comfortable shoes, and children and the elderly should take particular care. Beware of falling rocks and waves.
- Tides and weather: The waves can be high and dangerous at high tides and during stormy weather. The visibility changes depending on the tide and weather conditions, so it's best to check the weather forecast and sea conditions before visiting.
- Manners: To protect the natural landscape, please observe basic manners such as not entering restricted areas, taking your trash with you, and not damaging plants or rocks.
- Photography: Please be considerate to other visitors when it is crowded. Drone flying may be restricted by local rules, so please check in advance.
- Facilities: Information centers, shops, and toilets may or may not be nearby, so if you are staying for a long time or have children with you, we recommend preparing in advance (drinking water, checking toilet facilities).
Ryugu Sea Cave is a fascinating spot with a unique landscape created by nature. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery even more if you choose the right time and weather to visit while taking safety into consideration.
