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Kitagishima Island
Striking remains of quarries created by the people who have lived among the stones
Famous as the "Stone Island," Kitagishima is the largest of the Kasaoka Islands and located about 15 kilometers from Kasaoka Port. The island has produced high-quality stones used in the construction of many historical buildings and architectural structures since the Edo period (1603-1868) to the present day, such as the stone walls of Osaka Castle and Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Cat Rock
The rock known as Cat Rock can be found on the shore at the eastern edge of the island. Look on its side for a realistic image of the face of a cat. It was created from erosion by waves, but the island also has a legend. During the Genpei War (1180-1185), a calico cat that was on a sinking ship tried to swim to the island, but died upon reaching the rock. Next to the rock, there are also stacks of stones that were prepared for the construction of Osaka Castle, but were left behind. The cat's face is facing the sea, so it can only be seen from the waters. A good opportunity to see it is when the regular passenger boat enters Kusunoki Port.
Kitagishima Quarry amid the incredible sheer cliff landscape
The stones excavated in Kitagishima have been utilized in numerous prominent buildings around the country, including the Bank of Japan, Yasukuni Shrine and Tokyo Station. The industry gave birth to the stone-cutting songs that were essential during working, and formed the amazing landscapes as well as the quarry ponds in their remains. While over 100 quarries existed at one time, today just two are in operation. One of them, the Stone-Cutting Gorge Observatory, can be toured to observe a real working quarry. Since the excavation has progressed to over 40 meters below sea level, the current vertical interval of the quarry is over 100 meters, causing your legs to tremble from the immense height and depth.
Location
| Name | Kitagishima Island |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/spot/17775 |
| Address | Kitagishima, Kasaoka-shi, Okayama |
| Access | From JR Kasaoka Station, walk approximately 15 minutes to Fushigoe Port, then board a ferry for approximately 50 minutes. From JR Kasaoka Station, walk approximately 10 minutes to Kasaoka Port (Sumiyoshi Boarding Dock), then board a high-speed ferry for approximately 36 minutes (approximately 55 minutes by regular ferry). |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0865-62-6622 (Kasaoka Tourism Association) |
