Nanatsugama Caves
Explore seven dramatic sea caves carved into black basalt cliffs, offering breathtaking coastal views and a unique boat tour experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Nanatsugama Caves
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore seven dramatic sea caves carved into black basalt cliffs, offering breathtaking coastal views and a unique boat tour experience.
"The view is even more beautiful than in the photos."
Boat Tour Essential
Don't miss the boat tour for an up-close look at the caves! Check schedules in advance.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Light hiking is involved on the trails, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Seven Cauldron Caves
Coastal cliffs
Explore seven dramatic sea caves carved into black basalt cliffs by the relentless waves of the Genkainada Sea.
Coastal Hiking Trails
Along the cliffs
Enjoy scenic walks with breathtaking ocean vistas and glimpses of the caves from well-maintained trails.
Otohime Daimyōjin Statue
Near the caves
Discover a statue dedicated to a sea goddess, adding a touch of local folklore and culture to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Getting to Nanatsugama Caves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Tour Essential
Don't miss the boat tour for an up-close look at the caves! Check schedules in advance.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Light hiking is involved on the trails, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Pack a Picnic
Plenty of picnic tables available for a scenic lunch with ocean views.
Capture the Views
The dramatic cliffs and sea offer stunning photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Tour Essential
Don't miss the boat tour for an up-close look at the caves! Check schedules in advance.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Light hiking is involved on the trails, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Pack a Picnic
Plenty of picnic tables available for a scenic lunch with ocean views.
Capture the Views
The dramatic cliffs and sea offer stunning photo opportunities.
Combine with Karatsu
Nanatsugama is a great stop on a day trip to Karatsu City.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Nanatsugama Caves for its stunning natural beauty, dramatic coastal scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. The hiking trails offer lovely views, and the option of a boat tour into the caves is a highlight for many. Some find the walk from the parking lot a bit long, and accessibility can be a concern for those with mobility issues, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile scenic stop.
"Visited Nanatsugama in Karatsu and had a really enjoyable time. The views of the sea were absolutely stunning, with dramatic cliffs and endless ocean making it a peaceful spot to explore. I didn’t take the boat ride into the sea caves, but I spotted one from the trail, which was already impressive enough. There’s also a bit of light hiking involved, which adds to the experience if you enjoy nature.
What made the visit even more memorable was discovering the 乙姫大明神 (Otohime Daimyōjin) statue nearby. It added a nice touch of folklore and culture to the natural beauty of the area. Overall, it’s a great place for a scenic stroll, a bit of coastal breeze, and a dose of Japanese mythology—all in one visit."
edwin
"I was searching for places of interest in Saga and Nanatsugama came up, so I was intrigued and decided to drop by on my way to Karatsu.
We regretted it as soon as we arrived.
It was a long walk from the parking lot to the site, and although the view was nice, it was physically demanding.
When we got to the quay, we were glad we came.
I took a lot of pictures to commemorate the visit.
If I ever go again, I would like to take a sightseeing boat."
I'm Thanos.
"The view is even more beautiful than in the photos. The park is spacious, so you can enjoy walking around and easily spend an hour there."
T K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Fukuoka, the easiest way to reach Nanatsugama Caves is by car, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Public transport is less direct, often involving multiple transfers. Consider renting a car or booking a tour that includes transportation from Fukuoka.
Yes, there is a large and free parking lot available for visitors, making it convenient for those traveling by car.
Public transportation to Nanatsugama Caves can be challenging. It typically involves taking a train to Karatsu Station and then a local bus, which may have infrequent service. Renting a car is often recommended for a smoother experience.
Nanatsugama Caves are located about 1 hour away from Karatsu City, making it a popular destination for those exploring the region.
Many tours from Fukuoka and other nearby cities include Nanatsugama Caves as part of their itinerary, offering a convenient way to visit without worrying about transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Nanatsugama Caves area and the hiking trails is generally free. However, there is a fee for the sightseeing boat tour that takes you into the caves.
The Nanatsugama Caves area is accessible during daylight hours. The sightseeing boat tour has specific operating times, which can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. It's advisable to check the latest schedule before your visit.
The cost for the sightseeing boat tour can vary, but it typically ranges from around 1,500 to 2,000 JPY per person. It's best to confirm the current pricing upon arrival.
While you cannot enter the larger caves without the boat tour, you can explore the surrounding coastal area via hiking trails and see some of the cave entrances from the shore.
The park area surrounding the Nanatsugama Caves is free to enter and explore, offering beautiful views and walking paths.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic coastal walks on the hiking trails, take a boat tour into the sea caves, admire the dramatic basalt cliffs, and visit the Otohime Daimyōjin statue.
Yes, Nanatsugama Caves make for an excellent day trip, especially when combined with other attractions in Karatsu City or the surrounding Saga Prefecture.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the trails and enjoying the views. If you plan to take the boat tour and have a picnic, you could easily spend half a day.
The hiking trails are generally considered easy to moderate, offering beautiful views without being overly strenuous. They are well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels.
The name 'Nanatsugama' translates to 'seven cauldrons' and refers to the seven distinct sea caves that have been naturally formed by the erosion of the basalt cliffs.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints along the hiking trails offer stunning perspectives of the caves and the rugged coastline. The boat tour provides unique angles of the cave entrances from the sea. 
Yes, the boat tour offers excellent opportunities for photography, allowing you to capture the scale and formations of the caves up close. Be prepared for potential sea spray.
Morning light often provides softer, more dramatic lighting for coastal landscapes. However, the dramatic cliffs can be photogenic throughout the day, especially with clear skies.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check local rules and regulations regarding drone operation in natural parks and coastal areas before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for focusing on specific cave formations or distant sea views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water, as there are limited facilities. The natural beauty and the chance to see sea caves can spark curiosity and wonder in young minds, making it an educational and enjoyable stop on your family's itinerary.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Opting for the sightseeing boat tour offers a unique perspective and a shared experience. The opportunity to capture stunning photographs together or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery makes it a memorable destination for couples. The nearby Otohime Daimyōjin statue also adds a touch of local charm to explore.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and Formation of Nanatsugama Caves
+1These geological formations not only create a stunning natural spectacle but also hold historical significance. For centuries, these rugged cliffs and hidden caves likely served as landmarks for sailors and even pirates navigating the treacherous waters of the Genkai Sea. The raw beauty of the landscape speaks to the enduring forces of nature and the history etched into the coastline.
Visitors can appreciate this geological wonder through coastal hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the caves and the surrounding sea. For a more intimate experience, the sightseeing boat tour allows you to get up close to the cave entrances, marveling at the scale and intricate formations carved by the ocean.
Experiencing Nanatsugama Caves: Beyond the Views
Adding a cultural layer to the natural beauty is the Otohime Daimyōjin statue located nearby. This statue, dedicated to a sea goddess, introduces a touch of local folklore and mythology to the visit. It's a small but meaningful addition that enhances the overall experience, offering a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage.
For those looking to extend their enjoyment, the presence of picnic tables makes Nanatsugama Caves an excellent spot for a scenic lunch. Packing a meal and enjoying it with the sound of the waves and the expansive ocean view is a highly recommended way to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the location.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit