Dogashima & Tensodo Cave
堂ヶ島・天窓洞
Sea caves and rock-studded coastline on the western Izu Peninsula. Boat tours enter a cave whose roof has collapsed to form a “skylight,” and the area is known as the “Matsushima of West Izu.”
Dogashima lies in the town of Nishi-Izu. Its coastline is made of white tuff, volcanic deposits from undersea eruptions, which the waves have carved into many small rocky islands. For this reason it is known as the “Matsushima of Izu.” The most famous feature is Tensodo Cave, a National Natural Monument. Its roof has collapsed to form a round “skylight.” When tour boats enter the cave, sunlight pours in from above and the water glows blue. The boat tour lasts about 20 minutes and costs about 1,500 yen. Nearby Sanshiro Island becomes accessible on foot at low tide during spring tides, when a sandbar (a tombolo) emerges. The coast is also a famous spot for watching sunsets over Suruga Bay. Take a bus from Shuzenji Station, about 1.5 hours away.
Opening hours
All day; boat trips approx. 08:30–16:30
Nearby sights
- Kawazu Seven Waterfalls
- Old Amagi Tunnel
- Joren Falls
- Perry Road & Ryosenji Temple, Shimoda
- Mount Nesugata & Shimoda Ropeway
- Kawazu Cherry Blossom Avenue
- Shirahama Ohama Beach
- Shuzenji Onsen