Ohkawa Yato-no-iri Stone Quarry

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Ookawa quarry34.jpg

Background

There are several stone quarries situated fairly close to Ohkawa Station. Basically, the mountains immediately surrounding the station were all quarried for stone. The easiest to find is the Yato-no-iri Quarry.  At the time, I was not aware of the others around this station, but it is possible to go over the mountain from this one to get to others as well. It is one quarry I would like to explore more, but like the others around the station, it is on private property.

Along the opening to this quarry you'll see a large corner stone along the left side of a narrow road extending into the woods. This road is actually the original "stone dragging road"  ishibikimichi from this quarry.  Follow the road back and you will see other large corner stones too.  Along the right side of the road you will find countless stones in all stages of being split and shaped. The most common kokuin you'll see here is bundoumon 分銅紋 . It belonged to the Horio of Matsue.  You may find several stones around Shimizumon and Sakuradamon at Edo Castle with this mark.

Working these quarries was dangerous work.  Local legend say that the stream which runs through the quarry was tinged red with the blood of injuries to the workers.

Gallery
  • Bonaki-ishi. This huge block was likely abandoned for being too big to transport.
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    Ohkawa Yato-no-iri Stone Quarry Profile
    English Name Ohkawa Yato-no-iri Stone Quarry
    Japanese Name 大川谷戸の入石丁場
    Location Higashi Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture
    Castle Edo Castle
    Coordinates 34° 50' 14.21" N, 139° 4' 16.43" E
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    Edo Castle Stone Quarries


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