On the shore of Kushimoto Town in Wakayama Prefecture, there is a strange rock called “Hashikuiiwa”, where about 40 rock columns are lined up for about 850 meters toward Oshima Island on the opposite bank. It is said to be the bridge girder that Odaissan (a popular name of Kobo Daishi with containing the respect and familiarity in Osaka) left behind unsuccessfully because he was deceived by the devious demon. Now it is a national scenic natural monument. As Asahi seen from here is exceptionally beautiful, it also has been selected as one of the “100 Asahi in Japan”. Just now a red Bussoge (a hibiscus original species) is blooming in memory of Kobo Daishi against the backdrop of Hashikuiiwa.

和歌山県の串本町の海岸に「橋杭岩」と言って、対岸の大島に向かって約850メートルの間に約40個の岩柱が立ち並ぶ奇岩があります。おだいっさん(大阪では弘法大師を尊敬と親しみを込めてこう呼びます)が天邪鬼に騙されて未完成のまま残された橋桁だという言い伝えが残る国の名勝天然記念物です。ここから見る朝日は格別美しいということで「日本の朝日百選」にも選ばれています。今ちょうど橋杭岩を背景に弘法大師を偲んで真っ赤な仏桑華(ハイビスカスの原種)が咲いています。