North Ibaraki Geopark in Ibaraki Prefecture

This video, titled "[Superb Views of Ibaraki] North Ibaraki Geopark [4K]｜VISIT IBARAKI, JAPAN" (【絶景茨城】茨城県北ジオパーク［4K］ | VISIT IBARAKI,JAPAN), was uploaded by "IBARAKI TV." The Geopark introduced in this video is a park of the earth where you can learn about the long history of the region through geological strata, rocks, and fossils.
It's a popular sightseeing spot where you can learn about the history of the birth of Japan to the present on a large scale.
In the northern part of Ibaraki, located in Japan's Kanto region, fossils of pterosaur from the Cretaceous Period and ammonites have been found in the mountains, valleys full of autumn leaves, and on the beaches.
North Ibaraki Geopark is a recommended spot where people from all over Japan and the world can enjoy learning about history through guided tours and events.

A Park Where You Can Learn All About the Land and Nature of Japan

Source :YouTube screenshot

At North Ibaraki Geopark, you can uncover the history of the birth of the Japanese Islands over 500 million years while hiking.
Since ancient times, animals and plants have continued to thrive in Japan, and visitors can enjoy exploring and learning about the roots of the Japanese people that were left behind by their ancestors.
The oldest section in the North Ibaraki Geopark is the "Hitachi" area.
You can see the geology of ancient life (Cambrian, 542 - 251 million years ago) here.
The Paleozoic era is said to be the oldest stratum in Japan.
These can be seen from 0:33 in the video.

Ibaraki Grouped by Strata

Source :YouTube screenshot

Now, let's break down the major tourist locations and scenic destinations in Ibaraki by geological strata.
The first section is the Cambrian era, which is an approximately 500-million-year-old stratum.
The oldest stratum in Japan was discover in Hitachi Mine in Hitachi.

The second section (approximately 240 million years ago) includes "Hiraiso Beach in Hitachinaka," "Hananuki Gorge in Takahagi," "Mt. Yamizo" (八溝山, Yamamizosan) in Daigo and "Hanazono Gorge" in Kita-Ibaraki, and it is said that the base of the current Japanese archipelago was formed during this period.

The third section (approximately 20 million years ago) is the time when the current shape of the Japanese archipelago is said to have been almost completed.
Strata and fossils from this period can be found at "Izura Coast" in Kita-Ibaraki, "Ryujinkyo" in Hitachiota, "Fukuroda Falls" in Daigo, and the "Joban Coal Mine" in Kita-Ibaraki.
These are shown from 2:31 in the video.

The fourth section (the present) begins about 2.59 million years ago.
At the beginning of the geological present, there were no civilizations, let alone humans, and you can feel the the passage of time here.
This 2.59 million year old stratum can be found at "Oarai Beach" in Oarai, the "Tanagura Fault" in Hitachiomiya, "Omiya Terrace" and the "Taga Mountains" in Hitachiomiya, "Senba Lake" in Mito and the village of "Tokai."

Summary of North Ibaraki Geopark

Source :YouTube screenshot

Geological strata and fossils are important cultural resources that are essential for understanding the history of the earth and Japan.
North Ibaraki Geopark was created as part of activities to protect these cultural resources, that demonstrate the progress of mankind, from overexploitation.

North Ibaraki Geopark is home to many of Ibaraki Prefecture's most famous natural scenic points, and you can explore them by hiking through lesser-known sightseeing areas or trekking through the great outdoors and pondering the ancient history of the area.