is the common name for , a small uninhabited islet off the coast of Shirahama,

Wakayama Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of Honshu. Wakayama Prefecture has a population of 944,320 () and has a geographic area of . Wakayama Prefecture borders Osaka Prefecture to the north, and Mie Prefecture and Nara Prefect ...

, Japan. It is noted for having a

natural arch A natural arch, natural bridge, or (less commonly) rock arch is a natural landform where an arch has formed with an opening underneath. Natural arches commonly form where inland cliffs, Cliffed coast, coastal cliffs, Fin (geology), fins or Stac ...

created through the effects of erosion by wind and waves and has been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. One of the symbols of the Shirahama area, the islet measures approximately north-to-south and east-to-west, and has a maximum elevation of . The circular moon-shaped hole (sea cave) in the center of the island has a diameter of nine meters and is the origin of the popular name "Engetsu" (full moon). During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sunset can be seen through the hole in the center. Compared to the nearby Shirarahama Beach, water transparency is much higher near the islet and many fish species can be seen. The island is largely formed of sandstone and has become less stable over time. Since July 2009, the Shirahama town government has cautioned against approaching the island because of the risk of collapse of the arch.

References

External links

Wakayama Official Visitor's GuideNano-Shirahama Tourist Association
Uninhabited islands of Japan Natural arches Places of Scenic Beauty Landforms of Wakayama Prefecture Rock formations of Japan Shirahama, Wakayama {{Wakayama-geo-stub

See also

References

External links