Created over millennia by water and limestone
Akiyoshidai, dominating the landscape at an altitude of about 300 metres, is the largest karst plateau in all Japan. “Karst??” It’s a type of geological landscape formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks (here limestone) by water. This process of erosion creates a fascinating underground world with caves, chasms and stretches of water.
Apart from its sheer size, the plateau’s geological history and unique features forged over millions of years make it such a special destination.
300 million years ago the plateau was submerged in the ocean as a flourishing coral reef. Tectonic movements gradually elevated it above the waves, exposing the limestone formations to erosion and forming the contemporary landscape.
You’ll be disoriented from the outset: we in Japan don’t believe our eyes either facing this lunar expanse. Explore the plateau along marked trails and be surprised by limestone formations, cliffs, deep chasms, angular rocks, underground caves and grassy plains.
If you’re intrigued by what goes on in the bowels of the Earth, you can also visit the huge Akiyoshido cave under the plateau.
Yamayaki, when the mountain burns
Every year, on the third Sunday in February, a strange ritual takes place. The Akiyoshidai plateau is ablaze everywhere! This tradition, known as Yamayaki (“mountain burning”), dates back over 600 years.
On D-Day, locals and volunteers gather to ignite the dead grasses of the plateau simultaneously in different locations. The fire extends over 11 km2 and the flames can be 5 metres high! But don’t worry, strict safety measures are in place to prevent the fire spreading, and the event is well guarded with plenty of firefighters on the scene.
The purpose of this tradition is to maintain the unique landscape of Akiyoshidai, characterised by its bright white limestone formations, to control pests and to protect the ecosystem. The following spring the burned meadows will return to green, and so it goes every year.
More than just a local ritual (very photogenic!), Yamayaki is above all a guarantor of the preservation and regeneration of the natural environment of Akiyoshidai.
