The Shindosan Geosite is characterized by numerous small (500m) triangular mountains shaped somewhat like rice balls. These were formed about 1 million years ago by submarine volcanic activity, while the terraced rice fields at their base sit atop landslides which occurred at the bottom of the Fossa Magna Sea. Further inland, Mt. Hokogatake rises up 1316 meters. Its peak retains snow well into spring, ensuring a bountiful supply of groundwater throughout the year, both for the villages and for the beech forests and mixed groves in the area.

The layout of the villages seen here, with houses built up against the mountains and woodlands reserving the lower plains for agriculture, is called satoyama and was once the predominant scenery in rural Japan. In Shimamichi, an outcrop of unusually-shaped volcanic breccia is said in legend to be the birthplace of the goddess Princess Nunakawa and as such is revered as an object of worship. On nearby Mt. Shindosan, you can challenge yourself to climb over one thousand stone steps from the foot to the summit. The name Shindo means roughly 'path of the gods.' This path is said to have been walked by Princess Nunakawa and her suitor, the god Okuninushi-no-mikoto.

Come here and stroll amongst these simple scenes of the Japanese countryside. If you like, make sure to stop by the local hot springs or sneak in a round or two of golf at Green Messe Nou.