Umi-kongo Cliffs
海金剛
Cliffs at the eastern tip of Kii Ōshima, carved by waves into pyramid-like shapes. Waves crash against the rocks, making it Kushimoto's most spectacular coastline.
Umi-kongo lies at the eastern tip of Kii Ōshima. The cliffs and offshore rock formations resemble Mount Kumgang on the Korean Peninsula, which gave them their name. The pointed rock known as the Eagle's Nest is the most photographed. From the parking lot beside the United States-Japan Friendship Memorial Museum, a trail descends about 5 minutes to a viewpoint overlooking the rocky coastline, where white waves churn. The site is part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park. Entry is free. Some sections of the path are steep and slippery after rain, and you should stay away from the cliff edge during typhoons or high waves. From Kushimoto Station, take a town bus for about 30 minutes. By car, you can combine it with Kashinozaki Lighthouse and the Turkish Memorial Museum for a half-day tour of Ōshima.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- United States–Japan Friendship Memorial Museum
- Kashinozaki Lighthouse & Turkish Memorial Museum
- Kushimoto Ohashi Bridge
- Hashikui-iwa Rocks
- Muryo-ji Temple & Okyo-Rosetsu Museum
- Mushikui-iwa Rock
- Cape Shionomisaki
- Kushimoto Marine Park