Kitagi Island, Granite production island in Okayama Prefecture, Japan
Kitagi is the largest of the Kasaoka Islands in Okayama Prefecture and covers 7.5 square kilometers (2.9 square miles) with a circumference of 18.3 kilometers (11.4 miles). Mount Bakkuri rises to 226 meters (741 feet) and forms the highest point on the island.
Granite from the island served as construction material for major structures such as the walls of Osaka Castle and the Bank of Japan building. The quarries shaped the economy for centuries until extraction gradually declined in the second half of the 20th century.
During the annual Nagashi Bina ceremony, residents place paper dolls in small boats with peach blossoms and rice cakes to float on water. This spring tradition asks for protection and wellbeing for families on the island.
Travelers reach the destination through regular ferry services from Fushigoe Port and Sumiyoshi Port in Kasaoka, with crossings taking between 30 and 40 minutes depending on the departure point. Accommodation options remain limited, so planning ahead or considering a day trip from the mainland is advisable.
Despite the decline of local quarrying, the island preserves advanced stone processing techniques and now mainly works with imported materials. This continuity safeguards the craft knowledge and allows new generations to learn the traditional skills.
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