Arashiyama Benzaiten Shrine and Mitsukejima Rock (Gunkan-jima of Suzu)

嵐山弁財天・見附島らんざんべんざいてん・みつけじま

The symbolic rock formation of Suzu City, known by the popular name 'Gunkan-jima' (Warship Island). Approximately 150 metres offshore, a rock mass 28 metres in height and 400 metres in circumference rises from the sea; at low tide it was formerly accessible by a stone-paved causeway from the shore. The rock is composed of mudstone and diatomite and is associated with the tradition that Kukai (Kobo Daishi) discovered it. On New Year's Day 2024, the Noto Peninsula earthquake caused large-scale collapse of the formation, significantly altering its shape — the site now stands as a present-day witness to the earthquake's impact. The shoreline also combines two landscape elements: the romantic beach known as 'Enmusu Beach' and the small beachside shrine of Arashiyama Benzaiten. On clear days the Tateyama Range can be seen across the water.

N O P H O T O

H I G H L I G H T S

Highlights

01A mudstone and diatomite isolated rock formation 28 metres high — the symbol of Suzu City, known as 'Gunkan-jima' (Warship Island)
02On New Year's Day 2024, the Noto Peninsula earthquake caused large-scale collapse, significantly altering the formation's shape — the site is now a present-day witness to the disaster
03The 'Enmusu Beach' (matchmaking beach) and the Arashiyama Benzaiten beachside shrine combine to form the landscape
04At low tide, a stone-paved causeway formerly extended from the shore to the rock, allowing pedestrian access (status altered post-earthquake)
05The Tateyama Range is visible across the water on clear days — a panoramic viewpoint of the Noto Peninsula

A C C E S S ／ M E T A

Essentials

Location: Ishikawa Prefecture Suzu City
Address: 石川県珠洲市宝立町鵜飼
Fee: 無料
Hours: 見学自由（日没後は危険）
Status: 現存（島・浜辺は訪問可。島の形状は2024年地震で大規模変化）
Official: https://www.suzu-kanko.com/

D E E P D I V E

Deep Dive

Religion

Ranzan Benzaiten is a small seaside shrine enshrining Benzaiten (deity of marriage, arts, and fortune). The 'bonding bell' on En-musubi Beach was a popular romantic site for visitors. The island itself contains no religious structures—it is a natural landform—but its dramatic scenery has long been associated with local folk beliefs in the Suzu area.

Architecture

The island's geology consists primarily of mudstone and diatomite (fossil diatom deposits)—soft sedimentary rocks highly vulnerable to wave action, weathering, and seismic activity. Progressive erosion has occurred for decades. Partial collapses occurred in the June 2022 and May 2023 earthquakes. In the January 1, 2024 earthquake, the dramatic bow-and-stern protrusions collapsed on a large scale, significantly reducing the island's volume. The 'warship prow' shape that gave the island its nickname has been largely lost.

Cultural Property

There is no confirmed designation as a national or prefectural natural monument (some 2022 earthquake reports described it as a 'prefectural natural monument,' but this could not be verified—treat as uncertain information). It is protected as a scenic spot and tourism area of Suzu City. The En-musubi Beach area from Ukai to Koiji Beach was developed as a tourist corridor.

R E F E R E N C E

References

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