The mystery of Kumejima! "Tatami stones" created by nature 🐢✨

#EnjoyJapan I went to Tatamiishi on Okujima Island in Kumejima! There are more than 1,000 pentagonal and hexagonal rocks that look like turtle shells, and I was overwhelmed by the power of nature! These rocks are columnar joints that were formed when andesite magma cooled and solidified about 6 million years ago, and they only appear at low tide. If you check the low tide times, you can walk on the rocks. There are small fish and tropical fish in the tide pools, so it's a fun spot for children too. It was an amazing experience to experience nature's works of art up close! Basic information about the place Name: Tatamiishi Address: Oku, Kumejima-cho, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa Access: About 25 minutes by car from Kumejima Airport. If you take the bus, get off at "Nishi Oku (in front of Badehaus)" and walk for about 3 minutes. Features: Nationally designated natural monument. A rock formation with columnar joints that appears at low tide. Visited Tatami-ishi on Kume Island—a natural wonder! 🐢 Over 1,000 pentagonal and hexagonal rocks reassembling turtle shells are spread across the shore. These formations, known as columnar joints, were created about 6 million years ago when andesite lava cooled and solidified. They appear only during low tide, so be sure to check the tide schedule before visiting. Walking on these natural stone tiles and observing the tide pools with small fish was an unforgettable experience!