Infiltrate the Realm of the Eastern Yokozuna 'Inada Stone' - Ishikiri Mountain Range and Chestnut Mont Blanc, Kasama City Edition -

The woman dashed past us as we were walking, running at full speed. With her hair disheveled, she kicked off her shoes and headed up into the office.

The time is just a little before 9:00.

I suppose 9:00 is the start of the workday. I watch her with a gaze like a father looking at his daughter.

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Welcome, and thank you for joining Nagu-Nagu Tourist. Our Ibaraki trip has now entered its third day.

Today, we are visiting the Ishikiri Mountain Range, and it's a premium experience at that.
Huh? What's so premium about it, you ask?
Well, read on and find out.

Please gather at the Ishikiri Mountain Range parking lot just after 9:00 in the morning.

▼ I'm a sucker for limited-time offers.

The meeting time for the Ishikiri Mountain Range Premium Tour is 9:15.
We were handed helmets, split into two white vans, and off we went.

Wait, wait, where are we heading?

Let me explain (in the style of Yatterman).

As Japan modernized, the demand for Western-style architecture increased. Supporting this was 'Inada Stone.' Inada Stone is granite quarried in this area, and it boasts some of the whitest color in Japan.

It is a stone also known as the 'White Lady.'

I've compared it with stones from various places, and Inada Stone is truly white. By the end of the premium tour, you will become a 'man who can tell the difference' between Inada Stone and other stones. Daba-da♪

The premium tour is held four times a day, with about 10 people per session, and you are permitted to enter the actual quarry site. Yes, I am a 'man who is weak to limited offers.' Daba-da.

A note of caution here.

▼ Eastern Yokozuna

Actually, I've recently become a granite geek. I've been touring quarries all over the country. It all started when I visited Kitagi Island (Okayama Prefecture), which produces 'Kitagi Stone,' the Yokozuna of the West.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer power of the quarry seen from the observation deck.

Next was 'Boshu Stone,' also in the Kanto region.

These two quarries are both located near the coast. Yes, they could transport the stone by ship. However, this Inada Stone is in a mountainous area. It had to wait for the Meiji era when railways were developed. It's a new quarry.

I've visited three quarries in the past year. Quarries are just that captivating. Welcome to the quarry swamp, you too. Hehe.

▼ A lake not on the map

First, I arrived at a high ground overlooking the lake.
Well, it's more of a large pond than a lake, (Hey!)

Why is there a lake? It's because when you cut into the granite bedrock, a depression is formed. And then, rainwater collects there. That's right, the water doesn't leak. That's why it's used for buildings.

This place is called 'the lake not on the map.'
No, I'd like to call it a lake born from human desire.

The National Diet Building was also built using stone from here.

I want you to look at the next rock. This rock formed part of the high ground. It cracked. You can see part of the fence, but can you tell?

It cracked, but it looks like it's about to fall yet doesn't.
Apparently, it's popular with students taking exams. Hey! Good business sense!

About to fall but not falling—that's my life in a nutshell. Lol

The reason this rock cracked was the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Ibaraki shook quite a bit too.

▼ Quarry

Next, I arrived at an active quarry.

A languid guide who looks like Louis Kurihara invites us in. He is knowledgeable, and just listening to him talk about everything from how the stone is cut to its composition is fun. When asked, he explained that Inada stone has a high quartz ratio, which is why its whiteness stands out.

The other guide was that woman who had just run past us earlier. I take my hat off to her quick change of pace.

This place is also used for explosion scenes in hero shows and for musicians' music videos.

▼ The Lake Not on the Map Returns

Finally, like the Hiroshi Kawaguchi Exploration Team, we are heading to the lakeside.
(Don't know who Hiroshi Kawaguchi is? Ask your mom or dad.)

If it were calm, I should be able to take a picture of the inverted stone quarry, but alas.

▼ Reward

Kasama is also a famous production area for chestnuts.
And when it comes to chestnuts, it has to be Mont Blanc, right?

Yay!

I shared a 'Kasama Chestnut Mont Blanc' with my wife. This shop (U-A Cafe Mont Blanc) is located inside the Ishikiri Mountain Range. Snacks eaten after a walk are the best, aren't they?

For those who can eat a lot, I recommend the double-sized premium Mont Blanc.

But everyone!
Don't get obsessed with your smartphones; let's savor the chestnuts.

Focus completely on what's in front of you!

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So, how was the Ishikiri Mountain Range?
There are few active stone quarries left, and places where you can tour them are rare.
Please do visit!
And let's get hooked on the stone quarry swamp.

- Next Episode Preview -

In the afternoon, I will head to Oarai Isosaki Shrine and Sakatsura Isosaki Shrine.
And, I have to go on a train trip too.

( To be continued... )

For those who want to get hooked on Ishikiri Marsh
This is Kitagi Island, also famous as the home island of Daigo

Mount Nokogiri (Boshu Stone), where you can also enjoy the atmosphere of Laputa

For those of you who have become interested in granite
Can you answer the difference between the sea and the land?