Genbudo is a globally important site because the research leading to the discovery of the reversals of earth’s magnetic field was started here and because Genbugan (a Japanese term meaning basalt) is named after this Genbudo. It has long been a sightseeing place delighting the eyes with the beautiful columnar joints, crevice patterns formed when lava became cold. In the Edo Period, a scholar Ritsuzan Shibano visited and named the place “Genbudo” from the shape of columnar structure. The cave was made by people collecting the rocks because the rocks are easily split into pieces, and the heavy and hard rock pieces are useful for the foundation of houses and a weight for making pickles.
（1）Genbudo Cave
Huge outcrop of basalt caused by eruption of 1.6 million years ago. Beautiful joint patterns, columnar structure, were formed when lava became cold. There are Seiryudo, Byakkodo, North Suzakudo, and South Suzakudo in the site. It is an important site for the world because research leading to the discovery of the reversal of earth's magnetic field was conducted by the sample taken here by Dr. Motonori Matuyama.
（2）Townscape of Akaishi
A town having beautiful masonry using red rhyolite stones produced in the surrounding area and basalt produced in Genbudo.
（3）Hyozu Shrine
Plenty of basalt from the Genbudo is used for pavestones.
（4）Genbudo/Seiryudo Lighting up Event
The Genbudo and Seiryudo caves are lit up from the middle of September to the beginning of November every year. Fantastic atmosphere produced by lit columnar structure of basalt can be enjoyed. The Seiryudo is also called as “music cave” due to its wonderful natural sound effects, so that artists in various music genres hold concerts.
