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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Higashikagawa Geological Site Sightseeing Cruise
Join a cruise on the Seto Inland Sea to discover a range of geologically unique spots including National Natural Monuments
Higashikagawa City
Higashikagawa City, in the eastern part of Kagawa Prefecture, is well known as a place to see great geological sites, some of which are designated as National Natural Monuments and can only be seen and truly appreciated from the sea.
One of these are Kinujima Island’s rare rock formations. Columnar jointing formations often have vertical hexagonal basalt columns, but the ones on Kinujima are unusual, with four-to-six-sided columns that run horizontally.
Another geologically significant Natural Monument is the group of lamprophyre formations between the Matsubara and Hiketa areas of Higashikagawa. Geology enthusiasts can admire the black lamprophyres in the cracks of granite, creating black and white stripes.
Cruises visiting both of these locations run from spring to fall. The basic course takes about 120-150 minutes. The combination of these geologically unique spots together with the calm surface and clear water of the Seto Inland Sea makes an unforgettable trip for visitors of all ages. On clear days, the beautiful blue sky adds even more to the scenery.
How to get there
From Takamatsu Airport, take a limousine bus to Takamatsu Station (about 45 minutes), then a JR train to Hiketa Station (about 1.5 hours). The cruise boarding point is at Hiketa Fishing Port (near the Higashikagawa Tourist Boat Association), about a 10-minute walk from Hiketa Station.
The sea off Umashino, Higashikagawa-shi, Kagawa-ken
