Tategami Rock of Minato

Tategami Rock of Minato consists of two towering columns of basalt rising approximately 30 meters along the coastline of Minato town in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. These striking rock formations have been shaped over many years by the erosive force of waves, standing prominently against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan. The rock surfaces feature orderly, columnar joints formed through volcanic activity and the ongoing impact of the sea.

The site offers a vivid view of the natural environment, where the turbulent waves of the Genkai Sea crash against the rocks, creating splashes of white water. The contrast between the rugged rock faces and the deep blue of the sea is pronounced, particularly in the late afternoon when the slanting sunlight highlights the textures and shadows on the rocks. The two rocks, varying in size and often referred to locally as “Meoto Iwa” or “Husband and Wife Rocks,” have been recognized as a local landmark for a long time.

Visitors can approach the rocks safely via the coastal walking path, which provides varying perspectives based on the viewing angle. The sound of the waves striking the base of the rocks accompanies those observing the natural sculptures created through volcanic and oceanic processes.