See the Unique Rock Formations of Tategasaki and the Stunning Blue Grotto Up Close from a Pleasure Boat
Tategasaki is the largest columnar rock formation in Nigishima Bay in Kumano City with a height of about 80 meters and a circumference of about 550 meters. The best way to see this incredible natural structure is from the deck of a pleasure boat. Enjoy the unique beauty of the rias coast in Mie Prefecture and marvel at the pillars of basalt that were formed about 14 million years ago. A boat tour is also the only way you will be able to enter the stunning Blue Grotto of Kumano.
Once we had seen all of the designated spots on our tour, the captain took a direct route back to Matsuzaki Port across the open water. As the boat cut through the waves, I enjoyed some time for reflection that was brought on by the astounding scenery I had just experienced. Sometimes it is good to feel the power of nature and be humbled by its beauty.
Caption: On the return journey, we headed further out into the open sea.
On the return to the mainland, the hazy coastal mountains of Mie filled the view ahead of us past the waters of Nigishima Bay. It had been a special day on the sea and I found myself thinking that I might want to be one of those fishermen on the rocks of Tategasaki someday.