Iwagami no tobiishi, Natural monument and boulder at Iwagami Inari Shrine, Maebashi, Japan.
Iwagami no Tobiishi is a large volcanic boulder situated within the grounds of Iwagami Inari Shrine in Maebashi. The dark stone mass forms a prominent natural feature that defines the shrine's physical character and layout.
The Japanese government designated this formation as a protected Natural Monument in 1938, recognizing its geological value. This official status reflects how Japan honors natural sites connected to shrine traditions and local heritage.
The name refers to flying stones of the rock deity, reflecting Shinto beliefs about sacred natural formations. Visitors can sense how local practice weaves geology with spiritual meaning at this shrine site.
You can reach this formation easily on foot from the shrine entrance, and it sits in an openly accessible area. Since the stone is exposed to weather, the ground around it may be slippery after rain, so wear appropriate footwear.
Beneath the massive volcanic boulder sits a small stone shrine dedicated to Dosojin, a deity of boundaries and travel. This layering of sacred spaces creates a rare combination where geology and folk spirituality overlap in unexpected ways.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
