The second day in Wakayama
The coast was still lashed by strong winds in the wake of the typhoon. Standing at the top of Cape Shionomisaki Lighthouse, I felt as though I might be swept off my feet. No matter how many times I visit, Ichimai-iwa never fails to amaze me with its sheer scale. Most visitors come to see the countless potholes, large and small, at Taki-no-Hai, but what caught my attention was the solid rock exposed across the riverbed. At first glance I assumed it was igneous rock, yet I was surprised to learn that it was actually sandstone. This ancient alternating layer of sandstone and mudstone was formed millions of years ago deep below the Earth's surface. Subsequent erosion carved out a V-shaped valley, gradually revealing the bedrock that can now be seen along the riverbed.