Lot's Wife, Volcanic island in Philippine Sea, Japan
Description
Lot's Wife, also known as Sofu Iwa, is a volcanic rock pillar made of basalt in the Philippine Sea south of Tokyo. The sheer walls drop straight into the water and reach a height of 99 meters (about 325 feet).
History
A British merchant discovered the rock in 1788 while passing through and named it after a biblical figure from the city of Sodom. Japanese sailors later adopted the name on their sea charts and still use it today.
Culture
The Japanese name Sofu Iwa represents the international connection between Western biblical reference and Eastern geographical nomenclature for this natural formation.
Practical
The island can only be reached by boat and lies about 650 kilometers south of the capital. Strong currents and steep cliffs make landing almost impossible, so it can only be viewed from a distance.
Did you know?
Below the surface, a caldera extends nearly three kilometers to the southeast. The clear water attracts many marine creatures that can be observed near the island.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Hachijō Subprefecture).
Geological formations develop over millions of years through natural processes including erosion, weathering, and tectonic activity. These rocks and stone structures take various forms – arches, monoliths, spheres, and pillars – shaped by wind, water, and time. They document Earth's geological...
Nishinoshima
288.3 km
Mukojima
293.2 km
Nakōdo Island
300.3 km
Kitanoshima
287.8 km
Bayonnaise Rocks
236.1 kmMaru Yama
301 kmMinami Hama
293.1 km気象観測所跡
76.9 kmWayside shrine
301.5 kmScenic viewpoint
301.1 kmScenic viewpoint
301.9 kmScenic viewpoint
301.9 kmScenic viewpoint
301.9 km地熱窯
301.1 km名主屋敷跡
302.4 kmWayside shrine
302 kmBuddhism, wayside shrine
302.2 kmWayside shrine
301.6 kmScenic viewpoint
301.7 kmWayside shrine
301.6 kmWayside shrine
302 kmWayside shrine
302 kmWayside shrine
302 kmWayside shrine
302.4 kmWayside shrine
301.8 km大千代神社
301.2 kmMemorial
301.2 km三宝港鎮守大明神
300.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes