Hashigui-iwa Rocks - Part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park

This amazing formation of rocks was formed from magma coming up and cooling. The rocks in the foreground are parts of the magma that have been carried away from tsunami's. The rocks were exposed when the surrounding mudstone wore away from erosion.

The rocks are part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park.

Hashigui-iwa Rocks of Wakayama

This is a volcanic rock formation with a history linked to fabled Holy Priest, Kobo-Daishi. It was said that an ancient demon was jealous of the knowledge and wisdom of Kobo-Daishi. The demon dared Kobo Daishi to build a bridge connecting Kushimoto to Oshima Island in one night. Having almost completed the bridge except for the top stones, the demon pretended to be a rooster and faked a morning call, forcing Kobo-Daishi to honor his agreement and not finish the bridge.

Information on this formation is here.