Awaji Island Live Cam

Geological Formation and Early Origins

Awaji Island, straddling the Seto Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku, boasts a unique geological history formed through tectonic uplift and volcanic activity over millions of years. Its foundation lies in Miocene-era sedimentary layers, interspersed with volcanic intrusions that created a varied topography of rolling hills, fertile plains, and rugged coastline. The island’s central basin, once an ancient seabed, transformed into rich agricultural lands, giving rise to rice paddies and vegetable fields that remain a cornerstone of Awaji Island’s economy and culinary heritage.

Ruins of Paleolithic settlements discovered in hills near Sumoto City reveal human occupation dating back over 20,000 years. Stone tools and shell middens attest to coastal communities exploiting marine resources, harvesting oysters, clams, and fish—a tradition that persists in local seafood specialties. The island’s strategic position at the crossroads of inland sea routes made it a vital maritime hub for early Japanese kingdoms, facilitating cultural exchange and trade.