Kitagi Island

What it is

• The largest inhabited island within the Kasaoka Islands chain.
• A designated Japan Heritage site known for producing premium Kitagi granite.
• The source of stone for the Bank of Japan and Yasukuni Shrine torii.
• The birthplace of the popular Japanese comedian Daigo from the duo Chidori.

What to see

• Deep quarry lakes formed by rainwater collecting in abandoned granite excavation sites.
• The Kitagi Stone Memorial Room displaying a collection of traditional quarrying tools.
• Active coastal areas where local oysters branded as Kitaki-kaki are produced.

Getting there

• Passenger ships and ferries run from Kasaoka City to the island.
• The island is located fifteen kilometers south of Kasaoka Port.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.