Manabe-shima Island
Marudosama (Pagoda in Sozumaru)
This is a small stone pagoda standing in the middle of a mountain forest in Sozumaru in the west tip of Manabe-shima Island. It bears no inscriptions, the figure of Buddha, and engravings, so it is difficult to determine its age. But judging from is construction and shape, it is believed it was made some time between the end of the Heian Period and the beginning of the Kamakura Period.
It is said that it was built to mourn the souls of the Manabe family who died in the Genji-Heike War. It is further believed that it used to be located on the top of the cape, but was moved to its current location because land was being cleared on the cape.
It was designated by Okayama Prefecture as an Important Cultural Property (Stone Artwork).
Overview
| Address | Manabe-shima, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan 714-0037 |
|---|---|
| Access | From the Sumiyoshi Boarding Dock at Kasaoka Port, take the regular passenger vessel (Sanyo Kisen) and travel 44 minutes (high-speed ship) to Manabe-shima Port (Honura Port). |
| Note | Until the best time for viewing arrives, June to mid-October, the area can be congested with small assorted trees, making it difficult to pass through. Water taxis can go over Souzu. |