Identification of prospective geosites that show features of the active continental margin in eastern Kii Peninsula, Southwest Japan

Abstract

The eastern Kii Peninsula exhibits a variety of rock outcrops, fossils, and other geological features that illustrate the formation history of the Japanese Islands. This work aims to describe the geotourism potential of the region based on the significant rock exposures, and sets out the basis for establishing geosites in this region in the future. Geologically important sites have been selected, together with places of unique history and culture within the northern part of the eastern Kii Peninsula, including the Ise and Toba areas. The results of this study include a detailed description of the geology and history of the region, together with an evaluation of the relative value of each selected locality as a geosite. Proper development and promotion of the proposed sites would make the sites available for education and tourism, and provide opportunities for suitable development and the popularization of geological knowledge.