Within walking distance ! Hidden within a national highway rest area, the rock divide between sea and sky

▲ The irregular shapes of Hashikui-iwa rocks resemble a dividing line between the sea and the sky.

Reported and photographed by reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Japan

Wakayama Prefecture in Japan boasts a diverse array of natural attractions. Whether by bus or self-driving, gazing out the window along the roadside reveals endless ocean views and uniquely shaped mountain cliffs — making it a top destination for road trips. Nestled within one of the local road rest stops lies a remarkable rock formation: irregularly shaped rocks lined up in a row, resembling a natural boundary line separating the sea from the blue sky. Visitors can even walk among them, making this a must-visit spot in Wakayama.

▲ Hashikui-iwa can be admired right from the rest area parking lot.

This boundary line between sea and sky is called “Hashikui-iwa” (Pile of Bridge Piers), located at the southernmost tip of Japan’s Honshu Island. It consists of about 40 rocks of varying sizes stretching approximately 850 meters from the coast into the distance. Shaped over centuries by constant erosion from the sea, the sight before visitors today has earned its place among Japan’s “Asahi Hyakusen” (Asahi 100 Select) list of scenic spots.

▲ Hashikui-iwa can be admired right from the rest area parking lot.

▲ You can also walk directly onto Hashikui-iwa from the rest area to enjoy the view.

Driving into the “Kushimoto Hashikui-iwa” road rest area, you’ll find a two-story brown building that sells a variety of Wakayama-local souvenirs and snacks. Passing through the rest area, you can actually walk out onto Hashikui-iwa. Many couples and families stroll among the rocks, admiring the rock formations, the tidal zone beneath their feet, or glimpsing the vast Pacific Ocean through gaps between the rocks.

▲ You can get an up-close look at the tidal zone on Hashikui-iwa.

Locals say the name Hashikui-iwa comes with a little story. Legend has it that the monk Kobo Daishi made a bet with a devil to see who could build a bridge connecting Kumanoura to Kii-Oshima overnight. Using his magical powers, Kobo Daishi moved rocks to complete most of the bridge piers, but when the devil realized he was losing, he imitated a rooster’s crow to trick Kobo Daishi into thinking dawn had arrived, causing him to leave. The remaining bridge piers were then named “Hashikui-iwa.”

▲ With its blue sea and sky, Hashikui-iwa is a sight you must see at least once !

Hashikui-iwa
Address: Hashikui, Kushimoto-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama, Japan
Access: Get off at Kushimoto Station on the JR Kisei Main Line, then walk 20 minutes toward Koza, or take a taxi for about 5 minutes to arrive
Admission: Free