Ganmon

Ganmon is a scenic spot on the Noto Peninsula and a natural sea cave that is one of the “Noto Kongo.” On a large coastal rock topped by old pines, the rough waves of the Sea of Japan have eroded a natural opening through the rock. The cave is about 6 m wide, 15 m high, and 60 m deep. Ganmon is within Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park, which also includes sights such as Sekinohana, Kigu-iwa, Yase-no-Dangai, Goban-jima, Fukiage Waterfall, Masuho-ura, and Gentoku-misaki. It’s also known as a setting for Seicho Matsumoto’s novel “Zero no Shoten,” and a monument stands here. Kigu-iwa, called “Noto Futami,” is a pair of rocks (meoto-iwa) with a legend of being a divine gift, making it popular as a power spot. A sightseeing boat (1,200 yen) runs for about 20 minutes around the Noto Kongo / Ganmon area—highly recommended to enjoy the clear sea, impressive rock formations, and seascape. Access: from Hakui Station on the Nanao Line, take the Hokutetsu bus on the Togi line, get off at “Ushishita,” then walk about 20 minutes.