Set against the stark volcanic slopes of the Nasu highlands, Sesshōseki—or the Killing Stone—is steeped in centuries of Japanese folklore as the transformed body of the shapeshifting nine-tailed fox, Tamamo-no-Mae. Ancient tales warned that getting too close meant certain death, an ominous reputation reinforced by the naturally occurring toxic sulfur gases that vent across the desolate landscape. Visitors can stroll along atmospheric wooden boardwalks past rows of guardian Jizo statues and a dedicated fox shrine to view the fabled rock, which captured global attention after dramatically splitting in two in 2022.
- folklore
- mythology
- geological formations
- kitsune
- shinto shrines
- historic landmarks
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