| (Image of Title: Kisakata Town, Akita Prefecture, Japan) |
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It's been said that the prehistoric penisular shaped Kisakata was spewed from volcanic
Mt. Chokai. Years after, Kisakata was struck by a series of earthquakes.
In particular, the year of 850, the land of Dewa was hit by a
major earthquake which caused the coast to sink deeply, completely changing the landscape of
Kisakata. The soft volcanic ash was eroded by sea water while the hard volcanic rock
remained in the form of many small islands. That was the history of beautiful scenic
Kisakata that became known throughout the country.
The 88 inlets and 99 islands were boasted as one of Japan's three most scenic spots along
with Matsushima. However in 1804, due to another major earthquake the sea basin rose 2.04
meters. The inlet waters were emptied and the land took on its present form. The shape of
the beautiful islands can now be distinguished amongst the rice paddies. The old Kisakata
landscape can still be imagined. In fact, in late spring when the paddies are flooded you can
actually see what Kisakata looked like hundreds of years ago.
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