[Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture] “Ohara no Zaimokuiwa” in Shiroishi City, where you can see the natural art “columnar joints” created by magma

you familiar with the natural scenery called columnar joints

It is a landscape typified Tojinbo in Fukui Prefecture and Takachiho Gorge will be introducing "Obara no Zaimoku Rock" in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture

What is columnar joint?

Columnar joints are a type of geological structure, and Wikipedia describes them as follows.

A columnar joint is a geological structure that has regular cracks on both sides, called joints, with no visible deviation, and the cracks form a regularly arranged structure of polygonal columns. Columnar joints occur in many types of igneous rocks and form as the rock cools and contracts. Columnar joints can occur during cooling of lava flows and volcanic ash flow tuff (welded tuff), and in some shallow igneous intrusions. It can also occur in rare cases when sedimentary rocks are heated by nearby hot magma.

The diameter of the pillars varies from 3 meters to several centimeters, and some are 30 meters high. Typically parallel and straight, but may be curved. A regular array of regular, straight, large-diameter columns is called a colonnade. In contrast, irregular, less straight, and smaller diameter arrangements are called entablatures. The number of sides on each column varies from three to eight, but six is ​​the most common.

From Wikipedia – Columnar joint

...It's a little difficult. It was full of technical terms and I couldn't understand it even after reading it. In summary

When lava or magma cools and solidifies, its volume shrinks slightly, forming regular column-shaped cracks such as pentagons and hexagons. This is called columnar joint.

Basically, it is underground, but it appears along rivers and the sea as a result of water erosion, or rises due to tectonic movement and appears on the surface.

What is Ohara no Timokuiwa?

``Obara no Zaimokuiwa'' located downstream of Shichikashuku Dam, along the banks of the Shiroishi River in Obara, Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture. Various pentagonal, hexagonal, and polygonal columnar joints can be seen on the rock surface.

It was named ``Zimokuiwa'' because the columnar joints

It has been designated as a national natural monument

Folk tales passed down around Zaimokuiwa

There are also folk tales related to Timber Rock that have been passed down around the area.

One summer day once upon a time, a craftsman from Hida (Takumi Hida) tried to build a Fudo-do hall (a Buddhist temple dedicated to Fudo Myoo) in one night, but the summer night was short and the night fell just before he could catch his breath. They left the pieces of wood in the Shiroishi River and left. After a while, the timber turned into rock and became Timber Rock.

It's reckless to try to build it overnight, and it's a little boring to just throw it away... Moreover, abandoning the timber is illegal dumping. In modern times, this would be a hot topic. lol

Places of interest in and around Zaimokuiwa

The main attraction is, of course, the ``Zimokuiwa itself .

The mysterious rock surface, which looks like building blocks stacked on top of each other, is so powerful that it seems hard to believe that it was formed naturally.

Isn't it possible to convey its enormity by comparing it to humans?

Although you can only see it from across the river, you can feel the power of it as if it were covering you.

What surprised me most of all was the countless huge boulders lying beneath the timber boulders. From its shape it is clear that it collapsed from the rock surface It's hard to tell in the photo, but each of these rocks is really huge. I think one rock is enough for 2-3 adults.

There is a possibility that something like this could collapse and fall, so it's no wonder they can't penetrate the other side of the shore.

Zaimokuiwahimuro

Himuro is an old-fashioned refrigerator that was made using a natural vent.

A cave where you can see the natural phenomenon of cold wind blowing out all year round at a certain point a ``wind cave'' , and the icehouse was built after a natural wind cave was discovered in this area in 1889. (The current one has been restored)

It is said that during the Meiji period, it was used to preserve silkworm eggs.

The tour is free and you can even go inside. It's a strange feeling to see the really cold wind blowing between the stones on the wall. It's really cool inside, so be sure to go in midsummer to experience it.

Former Kamitosawa Kendan mansion Kimura family residence

Currently, one of the seven stations of Shichikashuku, which sank to the bottom of the lake of Shichikashuku Dam, has been relocated here.

It is said that ``kendan'' was an important job that supervised and supervised all work related to the station, including horse riding. By the way, denma means replacing (exchanging) horses that are tired from a long journey.

The Kimura family was a family that served as a judge who supervised the horse racing and inn station relations at Kamitosawa-juku, and although Kamitozawa-juku did not have a honjin (an inn where people of high status stayed during the Edo period), It is said that the Kimura family played a role in its place.

At that time, Shichikashuku was a large post town where 13 feudal lords of Ou came and went , and the Kimura family must have played a very important role.

Zaimokuiwa Park

Almost directly opposite the Kendan-yashiki mentioned above is a park, which is crowded with many children on holidays.

There is also a soba restaurant and a direct sales store selling local ingredients next to Kendanyashiki. This day was around late April, and the park was decorated with a large number of carp streamers in preparation for Children's Day.

summary

Ohara no Zaimokuiwa does not seem to be talked about much as a tourist destination in Miyagi Prefecture, but its scenery is truly worth seeing. Personally, I think Himuro's natural refrigerator is a facility that you should try at least once.

The surrounding area is beautifully maintained, with historical buildings and large parks, so it might be a good idea to include it in your family's weekend plans. Of course, free parking is also available!

INFORMATION

• Name: Zaimokuiwa Park
• Address: Oharakamidai, Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture 989-0233
• Phone number: 0224-22-1325
• URL: Shiroishi Sightseeing Navigation – Zaimokuiwa Park

GOOGLE MAP

TikTok videos

@neft_tohoku Zaimokuiwa Park, a national natural monument, is located in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, close to Shichikashuku Dam. The appearance that the timbers are lined up is apparently the result of a natural phenomenon called ``columnar joints''. Combined with the many fallen huge rocks, it is a very impressive sight! #Miyagi Prefecture #Shiraishi City #Zimoku Rock #Natural Monument #Columnar Joint ♬ Original song – Tohoku Rocken Trivia Media | NEFT