Kabashima Island

Kabashima's southern coast is defined by dacite cliffs formed by columnar jointing, where cooling lava contracted and cracked into tall vertical columns roughly eight million years ago. These are among the most dramatic examples of the formation in Japan, and on the island's north side an active quarry continues to mine the same material. The most scenic spot is the Taka no Su lighthouse, positioned facing a wall of 50-meter columns on a small islet at the island's southeast tip. Reaching it requires arranging a boat taxi from Fukue or Naru Island, as there is no regular service along this coast and rough seas sometimes make the area inaccessible.