1. What is Uriwari Sekitei Park?

Uriwari Rock Garden is the place where Takahata stone, a tuff, was quarried.

Takahata stone was mined for a long period from 1922 to 2010, and is still used in various buildings within Takahata town.

The Old Takahata Station, which was designated a nationally registered tangible cultural property in August 2016, is one of the structures made using Takahata stone.

The origin of the distinctive name Uriwari Rock Garden is

When I cooled a melon in the fresh water from the quarry, it was so cold that it split.

It is said that it was named after this fact.

When I actually went there, I found puddles and spring-like spots all over the park.

One way to enjoy the area is to walk around and imagine, “Could this be where the name came from?”

2. Uriwari Sekitei Park Tourism Report

From here, we will introduce a report on our actual visit to Uriwari Sekitei Park.

First, drive towards Takahata Roadside Station.

Uriwari Sekitei Park is located less than three minutes by car from there.

Look for this sign.

The parking space was spacious enough that I was able to park without any worries.

1. The Ishibutai stage where sounds echo

After parking the car and walking along the lush tree-lined path, your view will suddenly open up.

Looking to the left, I saw a towering, exposed rock wall.

I was surprised at the height of the rock wall that suddenly appeared before me, but the air around this stone stage is clear and it is a very comfortable place.

The chirps of birds and the cries of animals echoed throughout the room.

There were lots of monkeys that day.

In fact, taking advantage of the positive response to this stage, outdoor music festivals have been held here in the past.

When I went up to the stone stage and clapped my hands, I felt the sound echo in an amazing way.

② The gentle smiles of the Seven Lucky Gods of Mahoroba

When we got off the stone stage and returned to where we were, we found seven stone statues.

These are stone statues called the Seven Lucky Gods of Mahoroba.

You can see up close the different expressions on each statue and the stone carving techniques.

After reading the explanatory sign posted there, I learned for the first time that Takahata Town has a connection with the city of Penglai in China.

We move forward, soothed by the smiling faces of the Seven Lucky Gods.

3. The quarry brings to mind the conditions of the time

Right next to the place where the Seven Lucky Gods of Mahoroba are lined up, there was a sign that said “Quarry.”

When I climbed the small staircase, I found several square stones lying on the ground.

This is where the actual stone was cut.

Takahata stone was hand-dug using tools called “hokkiri,” including pickaxes and burrs.

Stones hand-cut at this site are still used throughout the town today.

I was able to once again feel firsthand the depth of history and the incredible skill of the craftsmen of that time.

There are also cute stone statues of an owl and a frog at the quarry.

I got a glimpse of playfulness and it made me feel warm and fuzzy.

4. Yamagata's spectacular 50m-high stone wall

Leaving the quarry behind, we looked around and saw a small cave!

Right next to the entrance there was a sign for the Yamagata Landscape Story.

There is a recommended viewpoint just beyond this tunnel.

Watch your step and move forward.

Once we exited the tunnel, we were greeted by a breathtaking view that left us speechless.

It was a mysterious space so far removed from everyday life that it took my breath away.

In the silence, the sound of leaves rustling can be heard from time to time.

It was so amazing that I just stood there for a while.

I lost track of time as I gazed upon the height and beauty of the stone walls.

The colors and patterns of the stone walls are one of a kind no matter where you look.

When you actually touch it with your hand, you can feel the rough texture of the stone.

Looking up at the sky with my back to the 30m-high stone wall, I saw the following view.

The color of the sky visible beyond the stone wall also feels more special than usual.

This time I came in May, but if I visit in a different season I might see a different side of it.

There was also a bench nearby.

We recommend sitting down and taking your time to look at the stone walls.

There was something like a spring at the back of this bench, and I spent time imagining, “I wonder if this is where they split the melons.”

I was able to experience firsthand the mysterious life force of nature.

3. In conclusion...

This time, we spent about 30 minutes touring Uriwari Rock Garden.

The stone walls were far more impressive than I had imagined.

This mysterious space, far removed from everyday life, is soothing to the soul.

It is difficult to convey all the charm of the place through photos alone, so I hope you will come and visit.

It is also recommended to go there as a pilgrimage after watching the anime film “My Oni Girl,” which is based on the setting of the story.

Why not spend some special time at Uriwari Rock Garden?