Shima Potholes: A Natural Sculpture

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Discover the mesmerizing turquoise waters and unique rock formations of the Shima Potholes, a natural wonder sculpted over millennia by the Shima River.

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Shima potholes

The Shima Potholes are a series of eight unique geological formations carved into the Shima River over thousands of years. The river's currents, carrying stones and sand, have gradually eroded the bedrock, creating smooth, rounded depressions filled with mesmerizing turquoise waters.

A brief summary to Shima potholes

3520 Shima, Nakanojo, Shima, Agatsuma District, Gunma, 377-0601, JP
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit in April or May for the most vibrant blue water, or during late October to early November for stunning autumn foliage.
Check for alerts about water releases from the Shimagawa Dam and be prepared to leave the riverbed immediately if the siren sounds.
Wear appropriate footwear as the riverbank can be uneven and slippery.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Momotaro Falls, a short hike upstream.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From JR Nakanojo Station, take a local bus bound for Shima Onsen. Get off at the Shima Ōketsu-mae bus stop, which is directly in front of the Shima Potholes. The bus journey takes approximately 25 minutes and costs around ¥500.
Walking

If you are staying in Shima Onsen, the Shima Potholes are approximately a 30-minute walk (2 kilometers) south of the town center. Follow Route 353 south and look for signs leading to the potholes. The walk is scenic and offers views of the surrounding landscape.
Car

From central Shima, head south on Route 353. Continue for about 5 kilometers until the intersection with Route 145. Turn right onto Route 145, and follow it for another 3 kilometers. Turn left onto the access road leading to the potholes, which will take you directly to the parking area. Parking is free.

Discover more about Shima potholes

Located near Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, the Shima Potholes (Shima Ouketsu) are a testament to the power of nature's artistry. Over millennia, the Shima River has sculpted a series of eight potholes into its bed, each a smooth, rounded basin filled with strikingly blue water. The potholes were formed by the continuous swirling of stones and sand, driven by the river's current. This constant erosion gradually carved depressions into the bedrock, creating the unique formations visitors can admire today. The largest pothole measures approximately 2.9 meters in width and 1.5 meters in depth. The Shima Potholes are easily accessible and located close to the main road. Visitors can walk along well-marked trails to view the potholes from different angles and enjoy the surrounding scenery. The area is particularly beautiful in April and May when the river's blue color is most vibrant, and during the autumn foliage season from late October to early November. While access to the riverbed may be restricted during certain times of the year due to weather conditions or dam operations, the Shima Potholes can still be appreciated from the side of the road.