Mikurodo Cave
御厨人窟
A sea cave where, legend says, the young monk Kūkai meditated and attained enlightenment. From inside, only the sky and the sea can be seen, which is said to be where his name came from.
Mikurodo Cave is a sea cave formed in the uplifted coastline north of Cape Muroto. It consists of two caves, Mikurodo and Shinmei Cave. Legend says that Kūkai, at age 19, meditated here, and from the cave mouth he could see only the sky and the sea, which is why he took the name Kūkai, meaning “empty sea.” Five shrines are enshrined inside the cave, and the sound of dripping water within it was selected for Japan’s 100 Soundscapes. Entry is free, with a caretaker on duty roughly from 8:00 to 16:00. Because of the risk of falling rocks, entry has been restricted several times in recent years, so check Muroto City announcements before you set out. The cave is beside Route 55, with a car park, and is about a five-minute walk from the Cape Muroto bus stop.
Opening hours
About 08:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Hotsumisaki-ji & Cape Muroto Lighthouse
- Silest Muroto Deep Sea Water Spa
- Muroto Dolphin Center
- Muroto Skyline
- Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark Center
- Shinsho-ji (Temple 25)
- Muroto Schoolhouse Aquarium
- Kongocho-ji (Temple 26)