Wakae Island, Artificial island off Kamakura, Japan.
Wakae Island is an artificial stone platform extending over 200 meters from the shore into the sea. The structure is built from massive stone blocks with several pillars along its northern edge, creating diverse spaces and shallow pools between the stones.
The island was built in 1232 as a trading facility during the medieval period. Construction was supported by local rulers who wanted to develop commercial connections with foreign ports.
The site once served as a meeting point for traders and sailors from different regions. Visitors can still sense this maritime heritage when walking along the stone structures.
The best time to visit is at low tide when the island is accessible from the nearby beach. Wear sturdy shoes, as the stone surfaces can be slippery and uneven.
Fragments of ancient pottery and other remnants lie scattered among the stones, evidence of goods traded centuries ago. These finds reveal how merchants moved valuable items across great distances in medieval times.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
