Hakusan-domon (natural arch)
白山洞門（Hakusan Domon）
A natrual sight that has inspired awe for centuries
Hakusan natural stone arch, located near the base of Cape Ashizuri in Tosashimizu, is an awe-inspiring sight. It is said to be the largest granite sea-eroded cave in Japan and the setting, on the edge of deep blue ocean with waves continually crashing through the 16m high and 17m wide opening, make it all the more impressive.
Hakusan Natural Arch can be accessed on foot via the Cape Ashizuri Nature Trail, a lovely path that takes you past subtropical plants and through beautiful camelia tunnels. It is a relatively short walk in distance, but you do have to negotiate some steep, uneven steps, so walking shoes are recommended and please mind your footing.
The entire 46m-high tree-covered outcrop is considered a deity and a shrine dedicated to it sits above Hakusan Natural Arch, a sign that it has provoked a sense of awe for many centuries. The path up to the shrine is steep and treacherous and it is prohibited to go beyond the entrance. You can, however, continue down the steps to get very close to the arch itself.
Once at the water’s edge, take a seat on a seaside bench to take in the scale of the arch. Or, while paying attention to water conditions, pick your way across the rocks to peer up at the underside of the cave. Try looking at the cave opening from various angles to catch the heart shape for which it has recently become known. A slightly more difficult task is to make out the image of a woman’s face in the rock face above the center of the arch (hint: she is facing left as you look at the arch).
An alternative view of Hakusan Arch can be had from the John Manjiro Foot Bath facility located on the main road up above the nature trail. You can use the foot bath free of charge and towels are available for rent for a small fee.
Hakusan Natural Arch can be accessed on foot via the Cape Ashizuri Nature Trail, a lovely path that takes you past subtropical plants and through beautiful camelia tunnels. It is a relatively short walk in distance, but you do have to negotiate some steep, uneven steps, so walking shoes are recommended and please mind your footing.
The entire 46m-high tree-covered outcrop is considered a deity and a shrine dedicated to it sits above Hakusan Natural Arch, a sign that it has provoked a sense of awe for many centuries. The path up to the shrine is steep and treacherous and it is prohibited to go beyond the entrance. You can, however, continue down the steps to get very close to the arch itself.
Once at the water’s edge, take a seat on a seaside bench to take in the scale of the arch. Or, while paying attention to water conditions, pick your way across the rocks to peer up at the underside of the cave. Try looking at the cave opening from various angles to catch the heart shape for which it has recently become known. A slightly more difficult task is to make out the image of a woman’s face in the rock face above the center of the arch (hint: she is facing left as you look at the arch).
An alternative view of Hakusan Arch can be had from the John Manjiro Foot Bath facility located on the main road up above the nature trail. You can use the foot bath free of charge and towels are available for rent for a small fee.
| Address | 高知県土佐清水市足摺岬（Ashizurimisaki, Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture, Japan） |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number |
0880-82-1212 Tosashimizu CityTourism Commerce and Industry Division
|
| kanshou-lg@city.tosashimizu.lg.jp | |
| Open | 24 hours |
| Closed | Open all year |
| Price | Free |
| Directions | ●About 2 hr 20 min drive from Shimantocho-chuo IC on Kochi Expressway ●Short walk from Ashizurimisaki bus stop (Kochi Seinan Kotsu Bus) |
| Website | Website |
| Map Code | 907 196 358*14 |
