In the days when sailing ships were at their peak, Hiyoriyama Stone Compass was a very important tool utilized by sailors to measure the direction of the wind and tide in order to determine when they would leave the port.
The compass is composed of a granite stone shaped like a coin column, with a wire and directions north, east, south, west, and 12 total directions carved into it. It has a diameter of 27.5 cm with 23~26 cm of it above ground, and is slightly slanted towards the northeast, making the compass’s bearings slightly off as well.
There were over 80 Mt. Hiyoriyamas nationwide, and there are currently 29 stone compasses that are still intact today. 16 of these remain on the Mt. Hiyoriyamas across Japan, and Hamada is the only place in the San’in Region where you can see a stone compass in its original form.
Designated as a Japan Heritage cultural property, Hiyoriyama Stone Compass is a treasured piece of heritage representing the fishing city of Hamada.