Sarashikubi-Sou rock layer
There are many bizarre and beautiful rock layers made geologically in Kii-peninsula coast. There are many various shapes of rocks, for example layers of rock stick out from the tidal flat. It is very interesting. Notably, there is a big spherical rock shaped like a human’s head sticking out from the ground. According to the guidebook, it was named “Sarashikubi-sou”. During the Edo period of Japan, the punishment for criminals was to have their head cut off, and displayed by the side of the road as a warning. It was strongest penalty for criminals. Since the rock looked like a giant head by the side of the road, it was named “Sarashikubi-sou”. The Edo period, when the rock was named, has long since past, but the rock has been there thousands of years before then! It’s fascinating to see the rich history the present in the Kii-peninsula!