Kurumaishi (Wheel Stone)
根室車石
A radial columnar-jointed basalt formation about 6 meters across beneath Hanasaki Lighthouse, shaped like a giant wheel and designated a Natural Monument of Japan.
Kurumaishi (Wheel Stone) is a radial jointing pattern formed when pillow lava erupted from the seafloor about 65 million years ago and cooled. Roughly 6 meters in diameter, it looks like a giant wheel, making it a rare geological wonder designated a Natural Monument of Japan. From the Hanasaki Lighthouse parking lot, a coastal path leads 5–10 minutes on foot to a viewpoint at the foot of the cliff, and the lighthouse area offers wide views. It pairs well with crab dining at Hanasaki Port, and is about a 10-minute drive from Nemuro Station.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Hanasaki Port & Hanasaki Crab
- Meiji Park
- Kotohira Shrine (Nemuro)
- Cape Ochiishi
- Shunkunitai
- Onnemoto Chashi Site
- Lake Furen
- Cape Nosappu