Oyashirazu, Coastal cliffs in Itoigawa, Japan
Oyashirazu is a coastal cliff in Itoigawa, Japan, where steep rock faces rise directly above the Sea of Japan and leave only a narrow passage between mountain and water. The cliffs extend along a short stretch where four different generations of roads remain visible, showing how people have tried to overcome this natural barrier over centuries.
During the feudal era, travelers on the Hokuriku road network had to squeeze between the cliffs and the waves, making this section one of the most dangerous in Japan. Only in the 20th century did modern tunnels and bridges allow safe passage through the region.
The name comes from an old story about parents who lost their child to the waves while crossing the dangerous coast. This memory still shapes awareness of the power of the sea at this location.
The Oyashirazu Community Road leads to viewing points where the four historical road generations are visible. Visiting requires sturdy footwear, as some paths along the rocks can be uneven.
Visitors can find jade stones along the coastline, as the area contains the largest jadeite deposit in Japan. The green stones sometimes lie among the pebbles on the beach and can be spotted with some patience.
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