What Is Ishikiri Sanmyaku? The Inada Stone Quarry in Kasama
Ishikiri Sanmyaku (the Stone Mountain Range) is an Inada granite (Inada-ishi) quarry located in the Inada district of Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It is widely known for landscapes often described as "the Grand Canyon of Ibaraki."
Inada granite is a white granite distinguished by its bright white color and beautiful luster, which has earned it the nickname "White Lady" (Shiroi Kifujin).
The quarry stretches roughly 6 kilometers north to south and about 8 kilometers east to west, and full-scale stone extraction began in 1889 (Meiji 22).
The steep white rock faces carved by quarrying, combined with the pools of groundwater that have collected at the base, create powerful scenery that differs from any natural mountain or gorge.
For travelers, the appeal goes beyond simply being a photogenic spot.
You can connect the landscape on site with the story of a stone that has supported iconic Japanese modern architecture, including Tokyo Station and the Supreme Court of Japan.
Things to Check Before Visiting Ishikiri Sanmyaku
Before adding Ishikiri Sanmyaku to your Kasama itinerary, be sure to check the latest visitor information.
Public tours of the quarry, including general admission and the official Premium Tour, were discontinued on March 31, 2026.
No date has been announced for the resumption of tours, so advance confirmation is essential if you plan to include it in your travel plans.
If you rely only on older travel blogs or social media posts, you may arrive to find that on-site entry is no longer possible.
The cafe that previously operated at the quarry also relocated on April 5, 2026 to the 1st floor of Kasama Shopping Center Polepole in Akasaka, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
When planning your trip, it helps to decide in advance whether Ishikiri Sanmyaku itself can be a main destination or whether you will experience Inada stone culture through related facilities and the relocated cafe.
Inada Granite and Its Connection to Japanese Architecture
Inada granite is a white granite quarried mainly in the Inada district of Kasama City, and is regarded as one of the leading examples of Japanese white granite (shiro-mikage-ishi).
Formed roughly 60 million years ago when magma cooled deep underground, it is prized for its bright white color, beautiful luster, excellent durability, and minimal weathering over time.
Thanks to its striking whiteness, the stone is also known by the nickname "White Lady."
While it has been used as a building material since the Edo period, full-scale quarrying and processing began in 1889 (Meiji 22).
Since then, Inada granite has been used in many of Japan's iconic modern buildings, including Tokyo Station, the Supreme Court, and the Bank of Japan headquarters.
It is also widely seen in local landmarks, such as the Ibaraki Prefectural Government Office, the prefectural citizens' plaza, and the stone pavement of the approach to Kasama Inari Shrine.
On July 6, 2024, "Granite of the Tsukuba Massif," which includes Inada granite, was designated a Heritage Stone by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
This was the first such designation in East Asia and reflects the international recognition of Inada granite's geological value.
Learning about Ishikiri Sanmyaku is not only about admiring the view but also about engaging with the story of Japan's modern architecture and an internationally recognized geological heritage.
Exploring Ishi no Hyakunenkan to Learn About Inada Granite
Even if on-site visits to the quarry are unavailable, there is a facility where you can learn about Inada granite in a structured way.
Ishi no Hyakunenkan (Stone Centennial Hall), operated by Kasama City, is a tourist exchange center that introduces the quarrying history of the Inada district and the characteristics of Inada granite.
Inada granite is used in the building's exterior walls, and the design incorporates traditional Japanese patterns.
Inside, mineral specimens and exhibits on the formation of Inada granite explain how the stone is created, processed, and used in buildings across Japan.
It is located at 2307 Inada, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, right next to Inada Station on the JR Mito Line, making it convenient for international travelers exploring Kasama by public transportation.
Opening hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. between April and September, and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. between October and March. Admission is free.
The hall is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays (or the next weekday if those days are national holidays) and during the year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3).
Be sure to confirm the opening days and visitor information before your trip.
Tips for Appreciating the Scenery of Inada Granite
In photos of Ishikiri Sanmyaku, the most eye-catching feature is the contrast between sheer white cliffs and the still water surface formed by collected groundwater.
This is not a natural gorge but a landscape created by more than a century of human stone-quarrying activity.
When you look at it, try to see it not only as "beautiful scenery" but also as the accumulated history of stone being cut from the land of Inada.
Paying attention to the whiteness of the rock, the straight cut surfaces, and the mirror-like reflections on the water surface reveals an impression unique to Inada granite.
That said, a quarry is closely tied to working operations and safety management.
Always follow the on-site signage and instructions regarding accessible areas, whether photography is allowed, and the availability of tours.
Planning Kasama Sightseeing Around Inada Granite
If you are visiting Kasama with Ishikiri Sanmyaku or Inada granite in mind, building your itinerary around stone culture makes for a smooth and meaningful trip.
Start by learning the historical background of Inada granite at Ishi no Hyakunenkan, then look for places in central Kasama where the stone is actually used, and the town will begin to feel different.
Kasama is also known for pottery (Kasama-yaki) and shrine and temple culture, and the approach to Kasama Inari Shrine is paved with Inada granite.
Combining stone heritage, pottery, shrine visits, and town walking lets you experience the area's industry and culture in a layered way, even on a short stay.
For international travelers, instead of simply chasing famous names, an itinerary that asks "Why has stone been so important to this area?" tends to be more rewarding.
How to Get to Kasama and Local Transport Tips
The main gateways to the Kasama area are Tomobe Station on the JR Joban Line, or Kasama Station and Inada Station on the JR Mito Line.
From the Tokyo area, the JR Joban Line Limited Express "Hitachi" or "Tokiwa" takes about 70 minutes from Ueno Station to Tomobe Station.
From Tomobe Station, transfer to the JR Mito Line and reach Inada Station in about 10 minutes.
Ishi no Hyakunenkan is right next to Inada Station, making it easy to visit by public transportation.
To reach Kasama Shopping Center Polepole (the relocated cafe), it takes about 7 minutes by car from JR Kasama Station, or you can use a local route bus.
Taxis are not always stationed near Inada Station, so it is a good idea to check ride-hailing services and bus schedules in advance.
Ishikiri Sanmyaku and Mont Blanc: The Cafe Experience at Its New Location
Ishikiri Sanmyaku has long been known not only for its Inada granite scenery but also as the home of a popular cafe serving a much-loved Premium Mont Blanc dessert.
As mentioned above, however, the cafe business has now moved away from the quarry site.
From April 5, 2026, you can enjoy the popular Premium Mont Blanc at the new location on the 1st floor of Kasama Shopping Center Polepole (8 Akasaka, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture).
Be sure to check the cafe's opening hours and current menu before your visit.
Ibaraki, including Kasama, is Japan's top chestnut-producing prefecture, and Mont Blanc desserts made with locally grown chestnuts are a delicious highlight of any Kasama trip.
Pairing a journey through stone culture with a relaxing break at the new cafe lets you enjoy both the area's industrial history and its local flavors in a single day.
Summary: Enjoy the White Lady of Ishikiri Sanmyaku with Smart Planning
Ishikiri Sanmyaku is a destination where you can experience both the heritage of Inada granite (the "White Lady") and the dramatic scenery of white cliffs and water that only a quarry can offer.
However, on-site visits and the Premium Tour ended on March 31, 2026, with no announced restart date, so pre-trip confirmation is essential.
Even if you cannot enter the quarry itself, you can still build a rewarding Kasama itinerary by learning about Inada granite at Ishi no Hyakunenkan next to JR Inada Station and savoring the Premium Mont Blanc at the relocated cafe on the 1st floor of Kasama Shopping Center Polepole.
Rather than focusing only on the views you have seen in photos, take a moment to consider how this stone was formed, how it was used in landmarks such as Tokyo Station and the Supreme Court of Japan, and how it has been passed down within the local community.
With that perspective, Ishikiri Sanmyaku and Inada granite become a gateway for international travelers to understand both Japanese industry and Japanese aesthetics.
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