Tate-ga-saki is a spectacular coastal landmark where immense cliffs of columnar jointing rise dramatically above the sea. Combined with the powerful waves of the Kumano-nada Sea crashing against the rocky shoreline, the cliffs create a striking and rugged landscape. According to local tradition, this area is also said to be a place where Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan, came ashore.
Located on the northern side of Nikishima Bay in Kumano City, Tate-ga-saki is a massive rock formation approximately 80 meters high and 550 meters in circumference. The rock consists mainly of basalt, with prominent columnar joints formed as volcanic rock cooled and contracted.
According to the historical geographical record Kii Zoku Fudoki, the name Tate-ga-saki is thought to derive from the appearance of the cliffs, which resemble shields lined up along the coast.
Tate-ga-saki is also an appealing destination for hikers. A walking trail runs through Tate-ga-saki Park, with the trailhead located along National Route 311. The hike from the entrance to the cliffs takes approximately 40 minutes one way.
Along the route, visitors can also encounter Akoshi Shrine, a site associated with the Nikishima Festival held on November 3 each year. The shrine adds a cultural dimension to the walk through this scenic coastal area.
The trail offers opportunities to observe plants characteristic of the Kumano region. Trees of particular interest are marked with explanatory labels, allowing visitors to learn about local vegetation as they walk. With its forest surroundings and dramatic ocean scenery, the trail provides a rewarding way to enjoy nature while exploring one of Mie Prefecture’s distinctive coastal landscapes.