The History and Heritage of Boshu Stone Quarrying
Discover the history of Boshu stone—material that helped build modern Japan.
Climb along the former transport route from the quarry to the port, and immerse yourself in the massive man-made stone landscapes now fused with nature across the centuries.
On this tour, you climb along Shariki-michi road, the path once used to transport blocks of Boshu stone quarried from Mt. Nokogiri down to the foothills. Your English speaking guide will then reveal the history of the stone cutting industry that once made Kanaya a prosperous town.
Why was Boshu stone stone important? How was it used? How did the stonemasons excavate stone out of the rock surface? This guided tour answers all the questions you might have.
Course Itinerary
Starts at 9:30, finishes at 13：00
Streets of Kanaya, the “Stone Town” → Cableway Remain → Sharikimichi Road → Stone Stockyard → Depleted Quarry: Cat Choba (Neko-chōba) → Open-ceiling cave (Fukinuke-dokutsu), Stone Cutting Passage (Kiritoshi), Kannon Cave (Kannon-dokutsu) → Depleted Quarry: Stone Stage (Iwa-butai) → Kanto Fureai Trail → Mt. Nokogiri Archive Museum (optional visit)）
Meeting Point
By Train: JR Hama-Kanaya Station
By Car: Mt. Nokogiri Museum of Art (free parking for tour participants) (2146-1 Kanaya, Futtsu-city, Chiba Pref.)
Eligibility
Elementary school students and older who can walk for appx. 4 hours without support.
This is a moderate level of mountain climbing activity. The course includes unpaved mountain trails and series of stairways. Children under 12 years old are asked to be accompanied with adults.
Fee
14,500 jpy per person, or 30,000 jpy per group (up to 8 persons)
Things to bring / wear
drink for hydration, lunch/snack, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, walking shoes, clothes for hiking/climbing, rain gear.
Backpack is recommended.