1977 aerial survey, Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (retouched by Wikimedia user Paipateroma) — historical photo, attribution required

Two sinkhole ponds on Shimoji Island's west coast (75m and 55m diameter) formed when a limestone karst cave system collapsed; they're connected to each other underground and to the open ocean via a submerged cavern. Designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument since 1979.

Crowd level

Hidden gem

Nearest station

~30 min by car from Miyako Airport via Irabu Ohashi Bridge; large paved bus-accessible lot with accessible restrooms; ~5 min walk on maintained boardwalk

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