Tindabana, Coastal cliff in Yonaguni, Japan.
Tindabana is a coastal cliff on Yonaguni's southern shore, rising approximately 85 meters above sea level. The sandstone and mudstone formations create a striking natural structure that extends along the coastline.
The rock formations developed over approximately 20 million years through geological processes in the Philippine Sea. More recent research has shown that natural erosion created the distinctive patterns visible today.
Marine geologist Masaaki Kimura conducted extensive research at Tindabana, contributing to scientific understanding of the Ryukyu Islands' geological structures.
A 200-meter trail leads to the observation point with views over Sonai village and surrounding coastal areas. The path is reasonably accessible and offers several spots to pause and take in the landscape.
Scientists once debated whether the complex rock patterns represented natural erosion or human work. A 2019 study confirmed that all the structures actually resulted from natural geological processes.
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