【Designated by the City：Historic Site】Shimoji Island Giant Rock

A giant rock of 59.9 m in diameter and 12.5 m in height sits on the west coast of Shimoji Island. The weight is estimated at 20,000 tons. The rock is amicably referred to as Okosukubiji (a rock with a big belt), Numamiji (a horse watching rock), or Obioiwa.
The rock is said to have been washed up by the Great Tsunami of Meiwa in 1771. The tsunami was approximately 40 m high and the earthquake was 7.4 in magnitude, vividly showing the scale of the natural disaster. Giant rocks such as this as well as Ushimiji (a cattle watching rock) and various other rocks considered to have been washed up by the tsunami were reportedly used in the construction of Shimoji Island Airport.
This giant rock has come to be revered as a deity of a folk belief, and prayers for a good catch and family well-being are offered.