Columnar joint of pyroxene andesite, exposed above breaking waves of sea water. Elevated view,Tojinbo Cliffs in Echizen Kaga Coast Quasi National Park,Japan 照片檔

The Tojinbo Cliffs are bizarrely shaped basalt cliffs continuing for about one kilometer on the coastline of Mikuni-cho town in northern Fukui Prefecture, in Echizen Kaga Coast Quasi National Park,and one of the Japan's famous scenic spots used as a location for many TV dramas and films. The Tojinbo precipitous cliffs towering up to twenty five meters above the water has been formed by erosion of the rough waves of the Japan Sea over a long period of time. The gigantic pillar-shaped rocks formations which look like bundles of polygonal rods are consist of unusual geological rock called "columnar joint of pyroxene andesite" dating back to volcanic activity about 12 to 13 million years ago Some recent research studies have found that the columnar joints of pyroxene andesite are unusual worldwide and are very valuable in geology . "Columnar jointing of pyroxene andesite” corresponding to this scale can be seen in only three places including Tojinbo around the world.In 1935, it was designated as a Natural Monument in the country and a Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan It is not a historical fact,but according to a legend,the name Tōjinbō comes from a Buddhist monk named Tojinbo who was tricked and pushed off the cliffs by a rival in love over beautiful princess named Aya. Tojinbo's ghost went on a rampage around causing strong winds and rain until an itinerant priest held a memorial service for him some decades later. We can see an island with long red bridge called Oshima Island in the distance.