Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line and Salt Trail (North) Geosite. 11. Himekawa Gorge Via Oito Line Geosite. 12. Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line and Salt Trail (South) Geosite. 13. Himekawa Gorge …

There are a total of 24 “geosites” in Itoigawa City, where you can see and feel the topography, culture and history of the region. By visiting all of these sites you can learn about the formation of the islands …

In 2009, Itoigawa City was designated as Japan's first Global Geopark. Global Geoparks are a UNESCO program similar to World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves.

The Geosites are grouped into three categories, to help distinguish them: Jade Geosites; Himekawa, Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line, and Fossa Magna Geosites; and Mountain Geosites.

Today, the Itoigawa UNESCO Global Geopark features 24 Geosites where visitors can experience the stories to be told by our planet’s geology and how the land has shaped our lives and communities.

There are 24 separate Geosites within the Geopark that one can enjoy. Each Geosite presents many Geo-points, where one can observe the special features of each Geosite and one is sure to find …

A UNESCO geopark with 24 geosites, each having a special geology, culture, or history.

There are a total of 24 “geosites” in Itoigawa City, where you can see and feel the topography, culture and history of the region. By visiting all of these sites you can learn about the formation of the islands …

To help visitors better explore and understand the Itoigawa Global Geopark, we have selected 24 regions within the Geopark which we believe have particularly outstanding features.

Itoigawa sits at the northernmost mainland point of the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line or "Fossa Magna," a tectonic fault line that separates the eastern and western parts of Japan. It was the first …