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All Japan Kumejima-chō Tatami-ishi (Tatami Rocks)

Tatami-ishi (Tatami Rocks)

Unusual hexagonal rocks formed by cooling lava named for their resemblance to traditional Japanese tatami mats.

Kumejima-chō, Japan

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pokipaul
  pokipaul / Atlas Obscura User
  pokipaul / Atlas Obscura User
  pokipaul / Atlas Obscura User
  pokipaul / Atlas Obscura User
  pokipaul / Atlas Obscura User
  pokipaul / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Tatami-ishi 畳石 (Tatami-Rocks) is a Nationally Designated Natural Monument located on the south coast of Oujima 奥武島 (Ou Island).

These pentagonal and hexagonal shaped rocks, formed by andesite magma cooled under a geological process called columnar jointing, are called Tatami-Rocks because of the resemblance to the tatami mats of traditional Japanese home design.

Water erosion has leveled and smoothed the tops of the rock structures.

Related Tags

Rock Formations Geological Oddities Geology

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Check daily tide charts, best viewed at low tide.

A bridge connects Oujima to Kumejima.

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Added By

pokipaul

Edited By

mrarfarf

Published

March 13, 2017

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