Welcome to Shimonita

Shimonita Geopark is home to a landscape of distinctive mountains. These mountains did not all form in the same way—each has its own origin story. Particularly striking are the “Rootless Mountains” (Atogura Klippe), visible from the town center. These mountains are geologically unique: the rocks on top are completely different from those below, and the upper strata are believed to have traveled from afar and ended up atop the lower layers.

The exact cause of this phenomenon remains unknown, but it is said that these formations hold clues to the mystery of how the Japanese archipelago was born. That’s why the theme of our geopark is “The Rootless Mountains That Unravel the Birth of the Japanese Archipelago.”

Elsewhere in the area, you’ll find geological features such as Mount Arafune and Mount Myogi, said to be remnants of volcanic activity that occurred 9 to 6 million years ago, as well as the Median Tectonic Line running through the center of town. Together, these features tell the story of diverse crustal movements that shaped the land into what it is today.

Amidst this dramatic natural setting, the people of Shimonita built their lives, developing industries that made use of underground resources and the unique terrain. Within the geopark, you’ll find many historic sites, including the World Heritage-listed Arafune Cold Storage Ruins, as well as remains of mining sites and konjac processing mills powered by waterwheels.

Shimonita Geopark is full of places to explore. We invite you not only to see the land, but also to listen to the stories shared by local guides and enjoy delicious cuisine made from the blessings of the earth.
(Excerpt from the Shimonita Geopark official website)