Tori-ike Ponds
通り池
These two connected circular sinkholes on Shimoji Island open to the open sea below the surface. Designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, they are also a well-known cave diving site.
Tori-ike is on the western shore of Shimoji Island. It consists of two circular deep pools, each about 50 to 75 meters across. They are sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone, and they connect underwater and open to the outer sea. The deep blue water has been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. There are walking paths and viewing platforms on the shore, and local folklore includes tales of mermaids. For divers, this is a well-known cave diving site in Japan (accompanied by a certified guide only). Entry is free, and the round-trip walk takes about 20 minutes. Please do not climb over the railings.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Nakanoshima Beach
- 17END (Shimojishima Airport)
- Sawada Beach
- Toguchi Beach
- Makiyama Observatory
- Irabu Bridge
- Painagama Beach
- Sunayama Beach