Benten-iwa Area
Maritime Culture Fostered by Submarine Volcanoes
About 1 million years ago, submarine volcanic activity formed strangely shaped rocks such as Benten-iwa and Tottoko-iwa as well as a fishing reef, making the area an ideal harbor and a popular stop for the 'Kitamae-bune' cargo ships that sailed the Sea of Japan hundreds of years ago during the Edo period.
In nearby Hakusan Shrine (a nationally designated cultural property), you can view 'Hagase-bune,' wooden votive picture tablets of boats (nationally designated folk culture properties), and the shrine's forest, a nationally designated natural monument. The forest is home to a mix of both warm- and cold-climate flora, making it a perfect home for the beautiful Himeharu Cicada. This rare and beautiful cicada species is also a nationally designated natural monument. In spring this shrine holds a beautiful and ancient court dance that has been nationally designated as a folk cultural property. This festival always draws a large crowd of visitors enjoying both the dance and the shrine's cherry blossoms. Few shrines of this size can boast so many nationally designated treasures.
A cycling and walking path has been built on the former Hokuriku railway line, showcasing old train tunnels built from brick toward the end of the Meiji period. In 1963, the Kodomari Landslide struck one of the steam locomotives on this old rail line, pushing it out toward the sea. As a result, the current Hokuriku line was built inside the mountains so such a disaster would not happen again.
1Benten-iwa Rock
This rock, located just off the coast, has long been worshipped as a shrine of the goddess Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto, also known as Benzaiten, a goddess of navigation and the sea. Just as Benzaiten guided sailors back to port, so does the lighthouse which stands on top of this rock. This lighthouse was designated one of Japan’s Romantic Lighthouses in 2016.
When exploring this rock take a close look and you can see how it is made of rugged rocks and cooled magma and hardened ash.
2Hakusan Shrine
National Cultural Property
Cradled against forested Mt. Oyama, Hakusan Shrine houses many cultural treasures, some of which are on display in the recently built treasure hall. Its forest is home to the rare himeharu cicada. The main sanctuary was built in 1515 and is remarkable for its unique, asymmetric design. The natural spring behind the shrine is safe to drink and is a popular source of drinking water.
3Tottoko-iwa Rock
In Itoigawa’s local dialect, “tottoko” means “chicken.” Looking at the rock, you can see where it gets this name. The view of the summer sun as it sets behind Tottoko-iwa is one of the most beautiful sunsets in Itoigawa.
4Site of the Kodomari Landslide
In 1963, the western slope of Kodomari (just above Nou Fishing Port) collapsed catastrophically. The resulting debris struck a steam-powered passenger train that was passing through at the time. The train and it's passengers were pushed over 170m toward the sea.
While there were no serious injuries among the passengers, the landslide did serious damage to houses and shops in the area. It also became the event which spurred the construction of the current Hokuriku Line, which now runs mostly through tunnels in order to avoid such accidents.
The former Hokuriku Line is now a pedestrian and cycling route.
5Road Station - Marine Dream Nou
This is one of the best places to enjoy the sunset. With restaurants, shops, a viewing deck, museums, and spacious recreational fields, this is the perfect place to start or end your visit to Benten-iwa Area.
Himeharu Cicada
National Natural Monument
The Himeharu Cicada is indigenous only to Japan, found throughout the Western half of Japan. The forests of Mt. Oyama, part of Hakusan Shrine, are home to the northernmost colony of these insects. Prized for its beautiful song and occasionally brilliant coloring, the Himeharu Cicada is protected as a National Natural Treasure.
Benizuwai Crab is known for its bright red shell and sweet flavor. The deep undersea trench formed by the Fossa Magna provides an excellent habitat for these crabs and they are caught in large quantities here in Nou. Be sure to try some at Crab Market Alley before you leave!
Benizuwai Crab
Area Access & Closures
【Kubiki Cycling Road】Sections in Joetsu City are closed, follow posted detour route
Friend Area Special
Road Station - Marine Dream Nou
