Onigajo, the ‘Demon’s Castle’, is a spectacular stretch of coastline near Kumano in southern Mie, where centuries of wind, waves and tectonic uplift have carved the cliffs into a surreal landscape of honeycombed hollows, jutting terraces and cave-like recesses stacked in tiers above the crashing Pacific. A walking path threads along and through the formations, and the site — part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage World Heritage area — comes wrapped in legend as the lair of a demon slain by a hero of old. Nearby Shishiiwa (Lion Rock) and the coastal views round out one of the Kii Peninsula’s most striking natural sights.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kumano, Mie |
| Hours | Coastal path daytime (weather permitting) |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | Clear, calm days; year-round |
What to See
- The honeycombed ‘Demon’s Castle’ sea cliffs.
- A coastal walking path through terraces and hollows.
- Nearby Shishiiwa (Lion Rock) and Pacific views.
- Legend and World Heritage status on the Kumano coast.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Kumano Kodo Iseji route nearby.
- Pair with the Shichirimihama beach and Hana-no-Iwaya shrine.
- Read our Mie overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR Kisei Line to Kumanoshi Station, then a short walk or taxi.
- Note: the path can close in rough seas or high wind — check conditions.
Tips
Check the weather and sea state before going — the cliff path is exposed and closes in rough conditions, and calm, clear days are both safest and most photogenic. The full walk to Shishiiwa and back is easy but on uneven rock, so wear grippy shoes; combine it with the nearby Kumano Kodo Iseji trail and coastal shrines for a fuller day on the World Heritage coast.
