Connection between volcanoes, people and nature-Activities of active volcanoes that spread to the sea and symbiosis of cities-
What is Geopark-Learning and enjoying the earth-
Geo is a word for the earth and the earth. In other words, a geopark means a park on the ground. But just having a park is not fun. If you have various events, can participate in tours, and have a mechanism to learn while having fun, it will surely be a fun place. At Geopark, we aim to create such a fun place together.
About Sakurajima and Kinkowan Geopark
With the aim of promoting the culture and history cultivated by coexistence with active volcanoes as a united area, promoting tourism and exchanges, raising awareness of natural sciences, fostering attachment to local communities, and fostering pride. Established in April of the same year, in September of the same year, the "Sakurajima-Kinkowan Geopark" covering the whole area of Sakurajima and Wakason Caldera in the Kagoshima city area was certified as a Japanese Geopark. Currently, in order to promote efforts as a region aiming for a UNESCO Global Geopark, we are aiming to certify the expansion of the area to Aira City and Tarumi City, which face the back of the Kinko Bay (Aira Caldera).
Initiatives at Sakurajima and Kinkowan Geopark
At Sakurajima and Kinkowan Geopark, we carry out geo tours and hands-on events throughout the year to convey the attractiveness and characteristics of the region and the characteristics of geo resources to many people. In addition to this, we are also putting efforts into disaster prevention efforts to protect geo resources and coexist with Sakurajima, an active volcano.
The highlights of Aira City (of the Geopark)
There are various attractions in the Geopark, such as the "geosite" where you can see the topography and geology, the "cultural site" where you can see the connection between geo and culture, and the "natural site" where you can see the connection between geo and nature. Yes, there are 21 attractions in Aira City.
Yonemaru Marl
A crater mark (Mar) with a diameter of about 1.3 km created by a magma steam explosion about 8,000 years ago. One of the 111 active volcanoes selected by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The topography created by volcanic activity is currently used as a paddy field. Inside the crater is the Yonemaru hot spring, which is a blessing of the volcano, and is a geosite that makes the most of the blessing of the volcano.
Cape Kurokawa
It is located at the mouth of the Hikiyama River and is a scenic spot where you can see Sakurajima from the back of the bay, and it has been selected as the Kajiki Hakkei. Approximately 170 to 700,000 years ago, lava flows into the Kokubun Group (Kajiki Formation) during sedimentation, and magma contact areas and andesites are observed in the tuff sandstone and silt formations. it can.
This cape is located at the deepest part of the bay in the city, and you can see a panoramic view of Sakurajima floating over the waves of Kinko Bay, and its magnificent view is also selected as the Kajiki Hakkei.
Shimazu Iekyu's song "Nami no Kaori / Karunishiki Nishiki / Isoyama / Exposed to the treetop / Flower color" is said to have been written at this Kurokawa Cape, which is the origin of the name of Kinko Bay. There is.
Takakura Observatory
An observatory in the “Forest of Twitter” that includes camping sites such as lodges and forest open spaces. From the observatory at an altitude of 125 m, you can overlook Kajiki city area to Sakurajima floating in Kinko Bay. It is also popular as a scenic spot.
Related Links
Sakurajima and Kinkowan Geopark HP (link to outside site)
Sakurajima Museum HP (link to external site)
Sakurajima Geosarc HP (link to outside site)
NPO corporation Kusuno tree nature building (link to outside site)
