Designated as National Natural Treasure on January 22, 1934
Nearly two and half millennia ago, Mt. Chōkai collapsed. An avalanche of rocks torpedoed into the sea and molded a number of islets. The formation of sandpits around the islands created a stunning inlet landscape, with pine trees lining the shores and the shape of Mt. Chōkai reflecting on the water. Kisakata’s reputation as a beautiful bay area used to only rival Matsushima (on the eastern shore of the island of Honshu).
A massive earthquake in 1804, however, completely changed Kisakata’s outlook. The seabed of the bay rose above sea level and as a result, rice fields now dominate the landscape.
In consideration of Kisakata’s high academic value as a precious place that witnessed volcanic activities and seismic land transformation, the Government of Japan designated it as a national natural treasure on January 22, 1934.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and City of Nikaho.