Senganmon (Natural Stone Gate), Shizuoka

Senganmon (Natural Stone Gate) is located in Kumomi (Nishiizu area), Matsuzaki-cho, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is a rock with a submarine volcano appearing on the ground. In the basement of the volcano, there is a magma passage where magma passes from deep underground. The magma path that has risen due to crustal movements and appears on the surface is called the “volcanic root”. Senganmon is part of this “volcanic root”, and a sea cave formed by wave erosion forms the “gate” in the center of a huge rock.
It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes by car or bus from Shuzenji, Izu City, but it is a must-visit spot for visiting Kumomi Onsen area. Mt. Eboshi near Senganmon is also created by similar volcanic activity, and Senganmon is also seen at the gate of Kumomi Sengenjinnja Shrine in Mt. Eboshi.
This area is popular as a snorkeling spot due to its high transparency and abundant marine life. There is also a cruise ship where you can see Senganmon from the sea side.
The photo of Mt. Fuji behind Senganmon is a classic, but to shoot, you need to go to the “Kumomi Yuhi to Shiosai no Misaki Auto Campsite”, not a short walk from the Senganmon promenade. The slope of the mountain in the campsite has been cut down so that you can shoot with a tripod. Since it is in the campsite, shooting will be charged. One person costs 200 yen per hour, and when it exceeds 1 hour, it is 100 yen every 30 minutes.
A powerful natural art created with the power of the earth not seen in Izu City. It is a place that you want to visit once, as it is said to be worthy of “Sengan” (kan or gan: Japanese old currency unit). Why don’t you go and see the art created by nature?

Sea cave by wave erosion, it looks like a gate

“Senganmon” (Natural Stone Gate) is a strange rock in Matsuzaki, Shizuoka Prefecture. Its identity is the root of a volcano called “volcanic neck”. It was once in the ocean floor, uplifted and became the current figure. In the central part of Senganmon there is also sea cave by wave erosion, it looks like a gate. Recently, it became famous as a spot for snorkeling. “Senganmon” is a scenic spot named in the sense that “worth seeing is ‘Sen-kan’”). Even now, there are always people who visit this unusual landscape.
There are abundant marine life in the sea near Senganmon. The water transparency is also high and you can enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean even with simple equipment. It is also advisable to go through sea cave when the waves are on a calm day at low tide. To enjoy snorkeling, go down the coast from the Senganmon promenade. The coast is a rocky place and there are no changing rooms or showers. It is necessary to bring all necessary items.
You can also see Senganmon from the ocean by using the cruise boat. The journey time is about 50 minutes. The ship also goes through the sea cave which opened to Senganmon. In addition to Senganmon, it is recommended for those who want to enjoy various landscapes as they travel around the sea sights of the west side of Izu. Pleasure boats are operated all year round, but the waves are likely to be rough in winter and it is important to note that cruise cancellation will increase.

The marine cave

The southern part of Matsuzaki-cho, Shizuoka, the “Senganmon” (Natural Stone Gate) is the marine cave standing in front of Kumomi. There is the tunnel of 15 meters in height, 10 meters in width in the center of the reef of more than 30 meters above sea level.

Scenery is worth of 1,000 kan-mon

Tradition says that the name has changed from “The Sengenmon” as the Gate of Sengen-Jinja shrine to “the Senganmon” as “the Sen-kan-mon” (thousand kan-mon : “kan-mon” is Japanese old monetary unit) that means this scenery is worth of 1,000 kan-mon.

Regarded as the gate of Shrine

The Senganmon is a part of the rocks made by an elevation of the magma, and the sea cave, which was made by the erosion of the waves, looks like “the gate”. This is regarded as the gate of the Kumomi Asama-Jinja Shrine at the summit of Mount Eboshi.

Dynamic and beautiful nature

You can look at the superb view of sheer violent cliff and Mount Fuji from the place slightly away from the promenade of the Senganmon. The scenery from here is dynamic and beautiful nature spreading in front of your eyes.

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