Muroto, Coastal geopark and city in Kochi Prefecture, Japan
Muroto is a coastal city in Kōchi Prefecture featuring a global geopark with exposed rock formations and sedimentary layers that reveal millions of years of geological change along the Pacific shore. The area extends along a dynamic coastline with varied landscapes that visitors can explore on foot and by bicycle.
The area received UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2011, marking international recognition for rock formations dating back to the early Mesozoic era. This designation brought worldwide attention to the region's remarkable geological history.
Buddhist monk Kukai meditated in Mikurodo Cave, which later became an important stop along the Shikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage route. Visitors can still visit this sacred site and feel the connection to the spiritual tradition of the pilgrimage.
The Muroto Global Geopark Center offers maps, exhibits, and bicycle rentals for exploration. The roughly 2.6-kilometer coastal Ransho Boardwalk is well-suited for walking and connects several geological viewpoints.
The coastline rises several centimeters annually due to tectonic plate movement, making it one of the fastest uplift rates globally. This ongoing process creates visible changes in the landscape that visitors can observe across visits.
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