Located in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture of Japan, this scenic area is known for its stunning beautiful coastline. The rocky cliffs of Tojinbo, which stretches over 1 km, is a popular tourist attraction. It features magnificent pillar shaped rocks created by sea wave erosion. The rock pillars exhibit hexagonal and pentagonal joints which are similar to those at Giant Causeway in North Ireland or those in Norway, Korea and Hong Kong National Geopark at High Island.
While we were there, we were awed by the surreal and eerie look of the cliffs with its gigantic columnar joint of basalt. There were so many tourists walking up and down the steep rugged cliffs, enjoying the spectacular scenery. We captured this photo of a couple walking down the cliffs; it didn’t seem any ghostly to us.
But the Tojinbo cliffs also have a dark side – as many as 25 Japanese came here each year to end their lives by jumping off the 20-30m high cliffs, throwing themselves onto the jagged rocks and crashing waves.
The bigger picture is that more than 30,000 people in Japan kill themselves every year – Japan’s suicide rate is one of the highest in the world. Depression is the number one cause for suicide in Japan, followed by illness and debt. Frustrated at having pulled so many bodies out of the sea, a retired police officer Yukio Shige, started his one man crusade patrolling the cliffs for potential jumpers. He convinced hundreds of people from jumping and taking their lives.
So, Tojinbo are very sad cliffs but the view is breathtaking. The Japanese sea is much darker than the subtropical seas that I am used to see. It seems more mystical.
The waves at Tojinbo is dramatic. 
At low tides, pools of vivid green water are created immediately adjoining areas of vivid blue. At high tides, forceful foamy waves break at the dark coastal rocks. Local legend has it that Tojinbo, a very violent Buddhist monk loathed by his fellows, was pushed out off the cliff to death. His angry spirit didn’t leave the sea and it had always been incredibly stormy on the day of his death, 5 April, every year until finally his spirit was soothed by the prayers of a master monk.
In our several hours out there walking up and down the cliffs, we were whipped around by wind and salty water from the waves; although we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We braved the wrath of suicide ghosts on these rugged cliffs jutting into the stormy seas.
On our way back, we couldn’t help thinking of what Mother Theresa said - life is precious, don’t destroy it!–>
I’m dreaming of retiring now at the age of 27 after reading your blog
I’ve never dreamt of retiring at 27, so you must be a lot ahead of me in thinking or dreaming!
As you can see, I have a lot of catching up to do in your blog. I just love these pix.
Glad that you are reading my earlier posts. Thank you for your perusal and comment!
Some of these look similar to the rocky coasts of Oregon, Michael, but have to admit that top image looks a bit scary – as if the people might soon fall in because the slabs of rock are about to break. By the way, thanks for liking an earlier post of mine, “Ski day today”; that Colorado trip was good for my soul. Take care!
Hi Laurie, to walk along the rock cliff was quite an experience. I am glad that you have taken the Colorado trip, we need a break every now and then. Thank you for the comment
I enjoy reading your posts. Especially the pictures. The nature and scenery topic has inspired my blog as well.
I enjoy reading your blog too. I’ll be following. Thank you
Very interesting and beautiful photography!!!! It is quite interesting how the Japanese have always had a propensity for suicide often due to dishonor, or lack of resources, ending elder life so the more youthful can carry on. Thank you!!!!
The proportion of elderly people is building up quickly in many developed countries. It is sad to see that we cannot direct more resources to these aged folks. Thank you