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Rock formation · Toyooka, Hyogo
Genbudo Cave
Cliffs of basalt columns formed by lava about 1.6 million years ago on the banks of the Maruyama River in Toyooka, where studies were made of the Earth’s magnetic-field reversal.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Genbudo Cave in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Genbudo Cave
Genbudo is a series of rock cliffs on the banks of the Maruyama River, between Toyooka city center and Kinosaki Onsen. The rock is basalt, formed about 1.6 million years ago by a lava flow that, cooling slowly, split into five- and six-sided columns stacked like pencils. The site is a national natural monument and is inside the geopark that stretches along the San'in coast.
The park has five caverns, opened by stone extraction over the centuries: Genbudo, the largest, Seiryudo, Byakkodo, Minami Suzakudo and Kita Suzakudo. The names come from the guardian animals of the Chinese cardinal tradition, given by a scholar in the early 19th century. In Seiryudo, the columns form a tall, curved cliff above a small pond.
Genbudo is also important for science. In the 1920s, geophysicist Motonori Matuyama studied the magnetization of these rocks and realized that the Earth's magnetic field had reversed in the past. One of the periods in that history was named after him.
The Genbudo Museum, next to the entrance, displays minerals, fossils and stuffed animals. The park is small, with short paths and stairs, and a visit combines well with Kinosaki Onsen, a few minutes by train, and with the oriental stork park on the other side of Toyooka.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour; plus 30 minutes if you visit the museum.
Best time
During the day, when light falls on the cliffs. After heavy rain, some paths may close. Check the museum hours.
How to get there
From Genbudo Station on the JR line, cross the Maruyama River by the ferry boat when it operates, or take a taxi. From Toyooka and Kinosaki there are buses and taxis to the park, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Tip
Go to the Seiryudo cavern, the tallest one: that’s where the columns are best seen.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Genbudo Cave
How were the Genbudo columns formed?
By a lava flow about 1.6 million years ago that, cooling slowly, split into five- and six-sided basalt columns.
Why is Genbudo important for science?
Because studies of these rocks in the 1920s helped show that the Earth’s magnetic field has reversed in the past.
How do you get to Genbudo?
By bus or taxi from Toyooka and Kinosaki, about 10 to 15 minutes. There is also Genbudo Station on the JR line, on the opposite side of the river.
How long does a visit to Genbudo take?
30 minutes to 1 hour in the park, plus 30 minutes if you include the museum.
Beyond the guide
