千座の岩屋

Chikura Cavern - Chikuranoiwaya

Useful Information

Location:	Minamitane-chō, Minamitane, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-3702. (30.447199, 130.972133)
Open:	only accessible 2 hours before and after low tide. [2020]
Fee:	free. [2020]
Classification:	sea cave Natural Bridge
Light:	n/a
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Chikura Cave, Minamitane-chō, Minamitane, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-3702.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

The 千座の岩屋 (Chikura Cavern) is a huge sea cave in volcanic tufa, created by the waves of the Pacific Ocean. It is located at the eastern end of Hamada Beach near Minamitane. The original Japanese names are 千座の岩屋 (Chiza no Iwaya) or チクラノイワヤ (Chikurano Iwaya). The cave is a through cave with multiple entrances. So it is possible to enter the cave from the beach and cross the head underground. The cave is filled with sand and end at the sea with a little beach in the entrance.

Chikura Cavern is located on one side of the peninsular. On the opposite side of the peninsula is a huge natural bridge called アーチ岩 (Āchi iwa, Arch rock).