🗺️ Kakuda Cape Lighthouse

Standing on Kakuda Cape, facing the magnificent Sea of Japan, is a lighthouse. From the observation deck next to the lighthouse, one can gaze at the vast horizon. If you take the hiking trail located behind the lighthouse, you can overlook the beautiful contrast between the white lighthouse and the indigo sea, and also catch a distant view of the stunning Sado Island. Directly beneath the lighthouse is a cave known as "Hanjōbunein," where it is said that Minamoto no Yoshitsune once hid with his boat. According to legend, in March of the 3rd year of the Bunji era (1187), Yoshitsune, who was being pursued by his older brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, took refuge in this cave while fleeing by sea to Ōshū Hiraizumi. The entrance is located near the parking lot of a beach, and after passing through a tunnel, there is a steep path along the coast. "Hanjōbunein" consists of two caves of different sizes; the cave on the right side of the entrance is 28 meters deep and about 4 to 5 meters wide. The left side is approximately half the size of the right, measuring 14 meters deep and about 2 meters wide. This naturally formed cave, exuding historical romance, is now designated as a cultural property of Niigata City.

From the lighthouse, one can enjoy a distant view of the stunning Sado Island. Below the lighthouse is a cave known as "Hangan Boat Hideaway," where it is said that Minamoto no Yoshitsune once hid himself and his boat. "Hangan Boat Hideaway" is now designated as a cultural property of Niigata City.