On Shimoji-Shima Island, there are two round ponds with colors changing by the tidal conditions, known as Tōriike Pond (通り池). The ponds were formed by seawater erosion of the limestone layer. Because they are connected with the sea, don’t be surprised if you see people popping out of the pond. They are definitely not mermaids (´▽｀*). The rare topography has won the pond the fame of a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty and a natural monument.
As the two ponds are connected with each other and with the outer ocean underneath, they are together known as Tōriike Pond.
In addition to the unique underwater terrain, what the divers are after is the thermocline, created by the differences in the water temperature in the sea. The color of the water is clearly divided into two colors, blue and green. And when you rise to the surface, you can see the color changing gradually, resulting from the different angles that the sun shines on the water. The experience of diving at Tōriike Pond is just indescribable and incomparable.
But be aware that diving through this underwater route is the most difficult in Miyako Islands. Don’t accept the challenge unless you have the appropriate level of experience and knowledge of the sea condition in the area.
The Simple Facts about Tōriike Pond and the Available Facilities
It was initially believed that Tōriike Pond was a limestone cave. The structure was weakened by sea erosion, and eventually, the ceiling fell with two hallows left.
- The larger pond has a diameter of 75 meters and a depth of 45 meters.
- The smaller pond has a diameter of 55 meters and a depth of 25 meters.
There is a car park around the pond where shops and toilets are located.
The promenade around the ponds is well-maintained. If you need to rest, there are benches to sit on.
The average time to spend at Tōriike Pond is around 30 minutes.
Tōriike Pond’s Folktales
Tōriike Pond also has a few myths and legends, from which the ponds are also known as the Dragon’s Eye (龍の目). The two main folktales are related to a mermaid and a story between a mother and her stepchild.
- The Story of a Mermaid:
- Once upon a time, a fisherman caught a mermaid and took half of its body for his neighbor.
- At night, he heard a voice from across the sea. “Come back”, it says. Then he heard a reply: “Half of my body was eaten, so I can’t go back”.
- Then, the voice from across the sea responded: “In that case, I will send a big wave to you. Ride that wave and come home”.
- Hearing the conversation, the fisherman panicked and escaped to Irabu Island.
- Shimoji-Shima was then attacked by Tsunami three times, and the village was engulfed. What was left where the two houses were located were two big holes, which are today’s Tōriike Pond.
- It is said that the mermaid was the sea spirit.
- The Story of a Stepchild:
- In the past, a fisherman lost his wife and later re-married. After his second son was born, the stepchild became a nuisance to the stepwife.
- So she brought both the stepchild and her own child to Tōriike Pond and made the stepchild sleep on a smooth and slippery surface at the pond’s edge. As for her own child, she asked him to sleep on a rocky surface.
- In the middle of the night, the second wife pushed the boy who slept on the slippery surface into the pond and carried the other child home.
- But on the way, the boy on her back asked, “Where is my younger brother?”
- What happened was the older brother swapped places with his younger brother so that he could sleep well.
- Ashamed of her wrongdoing, the stepmother jumped into Tōriike Pond to her death.
Based on the story of a stepchild, a stone monument called Mamako (継子台) at Tōriike Pond was made.
Nabezoko Pond (鍋底池)
Beyond Tōriike Pond, there is a smaller but mysterious pond called Nabezoko Pond. The entrance to the pond looks like the doorway to the underground kingdom. But you won’t be able to get to Nabiduku because every time the promenade was restored, it was soon destroyed by typhoons. The promenade was thus shortened.
Water accumulates at the bottom of the rocky stalactite area, which is also connected to the sea.
When the waves are rough, the foams are formed into what resemble those formed at the bottom of a boiling pot, hence the pond’s name. The name also came from the sound of the waves echoing off the stalactites, similar to a pot’s boiling sound.
From the legend, the rock of Nabezoko Pond is said to be a place of reincarnation, as a dragon god, the god of fire, the god of wind, and the god of water residing there. Rituals were thus performed by the locals here.
How to Get to Tōriike Pond
- It is around a 10-minute drive from Shimojishima Airport and a 30-minute drive from Miyako Airport.
- Tōriike Pond is a 2-minute drive from 17END.
- Refer to our Shimoji Island article for the island’s access information.
Discover Other Awesome Attractions in Miyakojima City
Obviously, Shimoji shouldn’t be the only island to visit when you head to Miyakojima. So if you are unsure where else is worth your time, our Top 12 Attractions in Miyakojima City article can provide you with some ideas!
