The stones that were excavated for use in the construction of Osaka Castle, but never climbed aboard ships to fulfill their destiny, continue to sit here at this park.

These stones were all quarried from the mountains, shaped, and are ready to be used for construction at any moment. It is not known why they weren’t transported to Osaka Castle. However, these blocks are a valuable snapshot of what the area looked like during the construction of the castle.

Why were so many stones quarried from not only Shōdoshima Island, but the various islands within the Setouchi region? The answer lies in the sea. Being able to transport the stones by ship was one of the biggest contributing factors, and quarries were opened in locations where it would be easy for workers to lower the stones to the shore. The stones here are all witnesses to the process that took place.

Within the park are exhibits that showcase replicas of the tools that were used to stack the stones. The displays help visualize what it was like to work in these quarries. You can experience the weight, hardness, and texture of the stone. By touching it for yourself, you may see things from a new perspective. That experience will surely change the way you see each and every stone when you one day gaze upon the stone walls of Osaka Castle

One last thing. At the summit of every mountain in Japan is a point of triangulation. Many of the markers used at these points are made out of stone from the Omi region of Shōdoshima Island. If you ever come across such a marker on a mountain, we encourage you to think back to the stones you encountered during this journey. The rocks from Shōdoshima island are still making their mark in regions far from their home.