The largest of the Sannoiwa formations is Otoko-iwa, or Male Rock, which towers nearly 165 feet above the water, accompanied by Onna-iwa, or Female Rock, and Taiko-iwa, or Drum Rock. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes)
Along the rugged Pacific coast of Japan’s Iwate prefecture, three enormous rock formations rise from the sea at Sannoiwa, one of the most distinctive sights along the Sanriku coast.
The largest — Otoko-iwa, or Male Rock — towers nearly 165 feet above the water, accompanied by Onna-iwa, or Female Rock, and Taiko-iwa, or Drum Rock.
Visitors to the Sannoiwa Rocks in Iwate prefecture, Japan, can follow a walking path with several vantage points of the formations and surrounding coastline. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes)
Together, the Sannoiwa Rocks form a striking silhouette offshore, particularly at sunrise, when the formations stand against the morning light.
Visitors can follow a walking path with several vantage points overlooking the formations and surrounding coastline. The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, from thick summer greenery to snow-covered winter landscapes.
During the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, a boulder estimated to weigh more than 200 tons was swept nearly 100 feet inland at Sannoiwa. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes)
The area also bears reminders of the Pacific’s destructive power.
During the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, a boulder estimated to weigh more than 200 tons was swept nearly 100 feet inland at Sannoiwa.
Now known as the Taro Tsunami Boulder, it remains where the wave deposited it as an example of the tsunami’s force. A lone pine tree just steps away also survived the disaster and has become a local symbol of resilience.
A lone pine tree just steps away from the Sannoiwa Rocks survived the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, and has become a local symbol of resilience. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes)
Reaching Sannoiwa is relatively straightforward. From Shin-Taro Station on the Sanriku Railway Rias Line, the site is about a 25-minute walk. Drivers can reach it in about seven minutes from the Taro-Minami interchange on the Sanriku Coast Expressway. Parking and restrooms are available.
Visitors can also explore other reminders of the region’s history nearby, including the preserved Taro Kanko Hotel, heavily damaged by the 2011 tsunami and maintained as a disaster memorial.
Visitors to the Sannoiwa Rocks in Iwate prefecture, Japan, can follow a walking path with several vantage points of the formations and surrounding coastline. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes)
On the QT
Directions: Drivers can reach the site in about seven minutes from the Taro-Minami interchange on the Sanriku Coast Expressway. 1-1-80 Miyamachi, Miyako, 027-0052 Iwate, Japan.
Times: 24/7
Costs: Free
Food: Options available in the nearby town of Taro.
Information: Online: miyako-kokusai.com/en
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