'Mushikuiiwa' in Kozagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture.

The exposed surface of a big rock, 60 meters high, is dotted with numberless holes which seem to be damaged by worms. Most of the holes measure 10 centimeters in diameter and 5 centimeters deep on average, but the diameter of the largest ones reach about one meter.

This strange rock has been formed by volcanic activity in ancient times though, it is uncertain how these holes have been made since then. There are two other similar rocks in this vicinity, but only this Mushikuiiwa is designated as a natural monument by the Government.

Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,

Masahisa Takaki.