Cape Muroto: The Rugged Marine Erosion Landforms of Shikoku's Southernmost Point and Kukai's Sacred Ground

Cape Muroto: A Sacred Ground of Geopark and Kobo Daishi Connections

Cape Muroto in Muroto City, Kochi Prefecture — actually within Tokushima's tourism sphere from the eastern Shikoku perspective — is a cape jutting into the Pacific Ocean where the rough waves of the Kuroshio Current strike. Certified as the "Muroto UNESCO World Geopark" in 2011, unique geological scenery created by Earth's activity can be enjoyed.

Marine Erosion Landforms and Strange Rocks

Around Cape Muroto, striped strata called "turbidites" created by Kuroshio erosion and large rounded "nodules" (concretions) are scattered along the coastline. Geologically precious scenery spreads throughout.

Mikurodo Cave and Kukai Legend

"Mikurodo Cave" near Cape Muroto is the cave where Kukai (Kobo Daishi) is said to have trained between the ages of 19 and 24. It is also handed down that Kukai named himself "Kukai" from the scene of "sky and sea" he saw while training here.

Muroto World Geopark

The area around the cape is developed as a geopark, with explanatory signs installed for geologically noteworthy rocks and strata. It is a unique tourist destination where you can stroll while learning Earth's history.

Access

Approximately 2–3 hours by car from Kochi city or Tokushima city. Route buses also operate but are infrequent, so visiting by car is recommended.