Muroto, Coastal geopark and city in Kochi Prefecture, Japan
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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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Cape Muroto
5.7 km
Mikurodo
5 km
Hotsumisaki-ji
5.1 km
Muroto Schoolhouse Aquarium
5.7 km
Kounomine-ji
25.7 km
Kongouchou-ji
3.3 km
Murotozaki Lighthouse
5.2 km
Kitagawa Village Monet's Garden Marmottan
19.9 km
Shinshou-ji
425 m
Shintarō Nakaoka Museum
20.5 km
Kounomine-jinja
25.8 km
一木神社
428 mSamurai area
20.2 kmHiyoshi shrine
4 km
Onda-hachimangu
6.7 km神明窟
5 kmRaiei Temple
4.8 kmへんろ道
3 kmTakisakamoto Shrine
19.6 kmディープシーワールド
4.5 km安田町文化センター
23.1 km夢ひろば
575 m青年大師像
4.8 kmStatue, Work of art
23.2 kmScenic viewpoint
3.6 kmScenic viewpoint
19.9 kmScenic viewpoint
5.4 kmScenic viewpoint
25.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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