At the Bochi Basin Observation Deck

Looking out over the Ohochi Basin from the observation deck, you can see small, green hills dotted amongst the lush rural landscape. These are called "Kannazankyu" (iron hole remnants), and are artificial formations created by the former "iron hole drifting" practice. Although the iron hole drifting took place mainly in the winter, the excavated soil has also been used to create farmland, and the current landscape is a cultural one created by the fusion of the remains of the "iron hole drifting" practice with the lives of the people. If you're lucky, you can see a sea of mist, known as the "sea of clouds," from the observation deck. This fantastical sight appears in the early morning in spring or autumn on days when there is a large difference in temperature between day and night.