Tōjinbō cliffs, Volcanic cliffs in Fukui Prefecture, Japan
The Tōjinbō cliffs are a volcanic rock formation along the coast of Fukui Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan. The rocks rise to around 25 meters above the water and form five- and six-sided columns created when ancient lava cooled slowly and cracked into regular shapes.
The rock formation was created millions of years ago when a volcanic eruption sent lava slowly cooling underground, forming the columns visible today. Over the following millennia, the waves of the Sea of Japan gradually carved the rocks into their current jagged shape.
Along the coastal path, there are monuments dedicated to local writers and artists who drew inspiration from this stretch of coast. On Oshima Island, a shrine called Ominato Shrine remains important to local fishermen, who visit to pray for safe sailing and good catches.
A path runs along the top of the cliffs, secured in places with metal chains, but the edges are not always fenced so solid footwear is a good idea. A boat tour from below is another way to see the cliffs, and it operates when the sea conditions allow.
A retired police officer began patrolling the cliffs after his retirement to talk to people who seemed troubled, and his presence helped bring down the number of tragedies there over the years. Phones have since been placed at the site so that any visitor in distress can reach support directly from the clifftop.
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