- Culture
- Hyogo
San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark
Learn about the history of the islands of Japan at the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark
A geopark is a kind of natural park that contains a geological heritage that helps people learn about and enjoy the earth's history and activities. The San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark is home to a diversity of geomorphological and geological features related to the process from the time when Japan was part of the Asian continent to its present-day formation of the country. The geopark lies about 120 kilometers east and west stretching over Kyoto, Hyogo and Tottori prefectures with many valuable geomorphological and geological assets scattered throughout the area.
Genbudo Museum
Located at the entrance of Genbudo Cave near the famous Kinosaki Onsen hot spring resort and opened in 1972, the Genbudo Museum is the largest museum in Hyogo Prefecture dedicated to stones. It houses a variety of precious stones, glowing stones, rare stones, fossils and minerals collected from all over the world which can be only seen here. You can enjoy a hands-on experience that lets you learn about the earth's power and wonders in a fun way. Fossils of Asian elephants that used to roam around the Genbudo Caves and some parts of the coastal area have been unearthed and are displayed at the museum. You will be immersed in the awe and wonder as the massive, full-scale fossils of an Asian elephant and a T-rex welcome you.
Amarube Viaduct
Amarube Viaduct is an iron railway bridge which has supported the operation of the JR Sanin Main Line for more than 100 years since its completion in 1912. The bridge was replaced with the current reinforced concrete bridge in August 2010, but the three piers on the JR Amarube Station side were preserved and have been reborn as an observation facility known as "Sky Station." Located approximately 40 meters above ground, you can see the Sea of Japan from the north side, while from the south side you will see trains crossing the new bridge. In 2017, a full glazed elevator called "Amarube Crystal Tower" was opened, allowing visitors immediately go up to the observation from the ground. There are also park facilities with a lawn and traditional arbors built by recycling the piers below the bridge.
Location
| Name | San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark |
|---|---|
| Website | http://geopark.sakura.ne.jp/en/ |
| Address | Ashiya Mizujiri, Shinonsen-cho, Mikata-gun, Hyogo |
| Access | Approximately 20 minutes' walk from JR Hamasaka Station |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0796-82-5222 (San'in Kaigan Geopark Center) |