With a thunderous roar, a boulder is smashed. The fragments scatter across the surface of the water, causing splashes everywhere.

There is a wall of rock standing 60 meters tall, and at its foot sits a lake. This lake is manmade, formed after this quarry filled with rainwater. Its deepest point is roughly 80 meters from the surface. This lake was left behind by the quarrying that took place here over the course of 130 years.

The granite extracted here was known as Kitagi-ishi, or Kitagi stone. It has a fine texture and is known for being resistant to impact. In the past, it was used for the walls guarding the front gate of Osaka Castle. The front gates were the most likely place for enemies to attack, so Kitagi-ishi were chosen to be the main component of the supporting structures on either side.

During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), structures made of stone were highly sought after, and Kitagi-ishi was used throughout the country, including in the Bank of Japan headquarters, the Jingūbashi bridge of Meiji Shrine, and the large torii gate at Yasukuni Shrine. By the height of the Showa Period – from 1955 to 1964 – there were 127 quarries in operation.

Why was Kitagi-ishi such a prized stone? There is one theory that may answer that question. Japan is a country that has experienced many earthquakes, which has resulted in the repeated destruction of shrine gates. Each time these gates were destroyed, they had to be rebuilt. However, there was one torii gate that seemed to withstand all quakes. The stone for this torii gate came from Kitagi Island. Word spread about this indestructible gate, which had perhaps earned Kitagi-ishi the people’s unwavering trust.

Out of the 127 quarries that were operational, only one remains today. The stonemasons of the island believe that both the stones and culture of masonry must be passed down to future generations.

*Note: Visiting hours are between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM every day (Visitation outside of this time requires a reservation)