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The Lotus Seat, also known as the Lotus Throne, sits on a sea‑eroded platform on the southwest side of Tokunoshima. It is actually a volcanic crater. Because it is constantly eroded by seawater, the crater is depressed, except for a small hill that rises in the center. From above or from a distance, it looks like a gigantic, blooming lotus flower, which is why it’s called the Lotus Seat. The most striking moment is during low tide. When the sea recedes, the entire Lotus Seat becomes visible. Viewed from the columnar basalt formations below, it looks as though a lotus flower is emerging from the water. If you catch it at dusk, the golden afterglow makes the whole scene breathtakingly beautiful. At close range, the low‑tide Lotus Seat is formed of basalt. The outer edge is a ring of basalt, while the center consists of the water left behind by high tide and some speckled basalt markings. It isn’t muddy at all—it’s true basalt, just weathered by the sea. The central protruding basalt hill, resembling the lotus’s stamen, stands out especially. Nearby, there is green grass that thrives on basalt, adding to the picturesque scene. In fact, the Lotus Seat is a submarine volcanic crater, but rest assured it’s not an active volcano type that could erupt. You can visit it safely! The Lotus Terrace at dusk shines with afterglow—make sure to check it out if you have the chance! **Suggested stay time**: 0.5 hours. Most visitors to Tokunoshima do a cruise or a quick stop, but consider staying overnight at a guesthouse on the island.