A giant natural limestone arch—the cave’s last remnant; cherry blossoms in spring.
Rashomon is a natural limestone arch about 40 meters high, designated a National Natural Monument.
Over long periods, parts of an underground cave collapsed and uplifted, leaving this imposing arch as a final remnant.
Beyond the First Gate (Daiichi no Mon), a cool, humid microclimate supports alpine and northern moss species growing naturally.
In early July, for roughly ten days, Himebotaru fireflies may be seen around Rashomon, creating an enchanting night scene.
Rashomon Sakura Park, adjacent to the arch, has about 700 cherry trees across roughly ten varieties; because peak bloom varies by cultivar, hanami can be enjoyed for about a month as the season progresses.
* This “Rashomon” refers to the natural arch in Niimi, not Kyoto’s former city gate.
