What Do Japan’s Top 3 Rock Formations Remind You Of?
With Japan being surrounded by the ocean and abundant in natural wonders, you will surely find some unique phenomena like strangely shaped rocks around the country. These Japanese rock formations are so oddly shaped like monsters that you might even think they weren’t created naturally.
Let’s take a look at the top three most popular rock formations in Japan. Use your imagination and guess what these rocks remind you of!
1) Shiosezaki（Akita Prefecture）
Here’s a rock whose shape is sure to remind people of one and the same thing instantly. It was created over 30 million years ago from the eruption of a nearby volcano. As the lapilli tuff spewed out of the volcano and hit the ground, this strangely shaped rock was formed. What does it remind you of?
We’re sure a lot of you got it—it’s Godzilla! And because of its resemblance to the fictional monster of Japanese films, it was named Godzilla Rock in 1995. There are also some other uniquely shaped rocks nearby, such as Gamera Rock, which resembles another Japanese fictional monster, and the Tsubaki-no-Shira Rock, which looks like a great mushroom sprouting out of the ground.
Useful Tips When You Visit
- It is highly recommended to visit this place around sunset. If you line up the mouth-like part of the rock with the clouds that are red from the setting sun, it almost looks like Godzilla is breathing fire!
- To reach the rock, simply follow the road signs down to the coast, then park your vehicle and walk towards the Shiosezaki Lighthouse. The rock should be on your right.
- There’s another rock nearby known as Godzilla’s Tail Rock, which looks like it might move at any moment.
Spot Information
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Name: Shiosezaki (Godzilla Rock) |
2) Shishi-iwa（Mie Prefecture）
This Japanese rock formation can be found in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, alongside the Shichiri-mihama Beach on Japan National Route 42. What do you think this rocky cliff face looks like?
The answer is… a lion! In fact, the Japanese name “Shishi-iwa” means “Lion Rock” in English. With a height of 25 meters, the lion-like cliff in Japan looks as if it’s roaring toward the ocean. It’s almost unbelievable that something as ferocious-looking as this could be made through natural causes!
This rock formation in Japan was formed because of the elevation from the ground level as well as from erosion by the ocean. The lion is said to be the protector of the deity enshrined in the nearby Idogawa River’s Oma Shrine. Apart from that, Lion Rock is not only a place of scenic beauty and a natural monument, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.
Useful Tips When You Visit
- From mid-May to mid-June, if you visit this spot at sunrise and take a photograph at just the right angle, you’re able to get a shot of the lion-like cliff holding the rising sun in its mouth.
- If you visit around August, specifically on the 17th, during the Kumano Fireworks Festival, you can get a unique shot of the cliff with fireworks in the background.
- Just beyond the rocks is the Shichiri-mihama Beach, Japan's longest coastline, which continues for a total of 22 kilometers. Make sure to check it out too while you’re in the area!
Spot Information
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Name: Shishi-iwa (Lion Rock)
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3) Saru-iwa（Nagasaki Prefecture）
This rock standing high at 45 meters can be found on the edge of Kurosaki Peninsula in Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture. What does it look like to you?
If you guessed monkey, then you’re correct! Like Lion Rock, this rock’s Japanese name (Saru-iwa) translates directly to “Monkey Rock” in English. It’s said that the unevenness of the rock’s surface was what formed the monkey’s mouth and nose, while the moss and grass growing on the rock serve as the monkey’s fur. Its one-of-a-kind shape has made it one of Japan’s Top 100 Strangely Shaped Rocks.
Useful Tips When You Visit
- Sunset is the best time to visit this geological formation in Japan. The silhouette of the rock against the ocean during the evening emphasizes its monkey-like shape.
- There’s also a cruise from which you can view the monkey-like rock available. If you have some time to spare, take some pictures and compare the views from both land and sea.
Spot Information
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Name: Saru-iwa (Monkey Rock) |
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