Muro Iwa Cave

CAVE

Originally submersed under water, the Izu Peninsula was created after many volcanic eruptions causing it to rise to above sea level. Due to the underwater sea erosion and volcanic ash falling to the seabed, Izu stone is very sought after thanks to its striped pattern. The streaked pattern makes the stone soft and easy to process so it was used to create many stone structures during the Edo period, such as the Edo Castle in Tokyo.

Muro Iwa Cave is a quarry which closed as recently as 1954, although it remains open to the public for tourism. They light the cave up from 8:30 to 17:00 every day. On the opposite side there is also a small, hidden area where you can see Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

There is a small car park available at the side of the road.

Review

The cave is a fun place to go if you’re prepared to walk down (and up on the way back) all the stairs leading to it. There is a rope to help you steady yourself but the stairs are a killer. They’re very steep and also quite small so it can be difficult to make your way down.

After you have braved the stairs you will find the cave entrance. There are a few different paths you can take but it doesn’t matter which way round you go. Make sure to stop and appreciate the statues showing how life was there in the cave when the quarry was still open.

Make sure you don’t miss the back entrance. Heading through it takes you to this small hidden spot where you can see Mt. Fuji on a clear day and all the surrounding coastline. There is only one entrance to this spot so you’ll have to head back through the cave to reach the exit.

I wouldn’t recommend coming all the way for the cave itself but definitely have a look around here and the other interesting spots nearby if you’re in the area. The west coast of Izu is full of hidden viewpoints which will take your breath away so if you’re a nature lover then definitely head down to have a look!

ADDRESS

Muro Iwa Cave,
371 Michibu,
Matsuzaki,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3618

Phone number unavailable
http://kanko.city.izu.shizuoka.jp.e.jj.hp.transer.com/form1.html?pid=2534 (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Muro Iwa Cave is easiest to get to by car as public transport on the West side of Izu can be quite sporadic. If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Matsuzaki (松崎) and get off at Matsuzaki (松崎). There is no bus to take you any further so you can either walk 30 minutes or take a taxi there.

Ryugu Sea Cave

VIEWPOINT

The Izu Peninsula is full of gorgeous sights, however they can sometimes be difficult to access. The Ryugu Sea Cave, a natural sea cave famous for its heart shape, is located in the south of the peninsula. It is located beside the Toji Sand Surfing so feel free to do both when you visit!

There is a car park nearby with enough space for 10 cars. Outside of summer usage of the car park is free. During summer it costs ￥1,500 a day.

Review

The Ryugu Sea Cave (dragon cave) is a beautiful sight that you can’t miss if you’re in the area. Toji Sand Surfing is also next to it so make sure to bundle the two when you visit.

There are stairs leading down to the cave which can be difficult to climb down. At the bottom it opens up to a view of the cave heading out to sea. It is very famous so it can be very crowded here. It is highly unlikely you’ll get a picture without other people in the way during tourist season.

Once you’ve taken pictures of the cave, head back up the stairs and continue up. To get a view of the heart-shaped opening you’ll have to climb to the very top. There are a view viewpoints here where you can take pictures of the surrounding area. Make sure not to miss the heart-shaped opening photo spot though!

ADDRESS

Ryugu Sea Cave,
Touji,
Shimoda,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0029

Phone number unavailable
https://english.izugeopark.org/geosites/ryugukutsu/?cid=03

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Ryugu Sea Cave is easiest to get to by car, however if you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Atami to Shimoda on the Izukyu Line. Switch to the bus bound for Touji (田牛) and get off at Ryugu Sea Cave (龍宮窟).