Nanatsugama Caves

Nanatsugama is a nationally designated Natural Monument located off the Genkai Sea coast in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Over time, rough waves eroded basalt to form today’s dramatic rock formations. On land, the rocky surface is covered with vegetation and has a walking path for strolling; from the observatory you can enjoy views of the Genkai Sea. Along the sea-facing side, seven cave-like openings of similar size line up, giving the site its name “Nanatsugama” (Seven Cauldrons). These openings are sea caves; the largest has an entrance about 3 meters wide and extends as deep as 110 meters. On clear days, sunlight can make the sea glow a Tiffany-blue color. There is also a cruising plan to view the caves: from Yobuko Port, Marine Pal Yobuko operates boats about once per hour (Nanatsugama loop cruise about 40 minutes). Access: by car, about 60 minutes from Taku IC (Nagasaki Expressway). By public transportation, it is about 20 minutes by taxi from JR Karatsu Station. By bus, take a Showa Bus (via Minato toward Yobuko) from Karatsu Station/Oteguchi Bus Center and get off at “Nanatsugama Iriguchi,” then it’s nearby (note: from the stop, it may be about a 30-minute walk depending on route).