Genbudo Park

The park is home to caves made of basalt, which features regular fractures called "columnar joints." These were formed when magma that flowed out about 1.6 million years ago due to volcanic activity cooled and solidified. The park, which was renewed and reopened in 2022, has maintained pathways and other facilities. The surrounding area is part of the San'in Kaigan National Park, and the geologically valuable San'in Kaigan Geopark has been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Within the park are five caves, including the nationally designated natural monuments Genbu Cave and Seiryudo Cave. All of them were formed when people in ancient times collected the easily cut basalt, resulting in the current cave formations. You can get an up-close look at the various shapes of columnar joints, such as those around 15 meters long and those with curved forms, each with its own unique features.

The park is also known for its hydrangeas, which can be admired in their beautiful state from mid-June to early July each year. At the entrance of the park, there is the "Genbu Cave Museum," which houses a vast collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils, along with a restaurant and shop. It is recommended to visit both the museum and the park as a set.