🗺️ Quarry Valley Viewing Platform (Kitakujima Quarry)

Beikujima, which thrived due to its stone production, has been designated as a Japanese heritage site known as the "Island of Stone." One of the components of this heritage is the "Tsuruta Quarry," which has been in operation since 1892, making it 132 years old. From the valley viewpoint located within the Tsuruta Quarry, visitors can overlook this quarry, which is still operational and has been recognized as an industrial heritage site. In search of higher quality stone, the Tsuruta Quarry is currently conducting quarrying operations below the surface of the Seto Inland Sea. Tourists can ascend to the viewpoint and safely gaze down at the entire quarrying operation. The quarry has been excavated to a depth of over 40 meters below sea level, with a height difference of more than 100 meters within the quarry itself. The quarry is surrounded by the sea and sheer cliffs, creating breathtaking scenes at every turn. From the viewpoint, one can truly sense the depth of the valley and the vibrant atmosphere of the quarrying site. The ladders used by the quarry workers stretch down into the valley like something out of a video game, and the heavy machinery and tire tracks resemble scenes from a game as well. Additionally, visitors can tour the quarry and learn about the evolving quarrying methods through the cross-sections of stones cut in the past. By exploring this quarry, which has continued for over a century, one can gain insights into the history and knowledge of stone.

The quarry on Kitagushima can be visited to see the operational work site. From the observation deck, you can overlook the quarry with a height difference of over 100 meters, creating a truly impressive scene. You can learn about the evolution of quarrying methods and many interesting facts about stones.