MEXT Scholarship Series: The Smiling Rock - Afia Boney

The smiling rock or ニコニコ岩 (Nikoniko rock)  is located on Mt. Ōjigadake in Tamano City, Okayama prefecture. Mt. Ōjigadake, lined with giant, odd-shaped, granite rocks, is 234.5m above sea level and overlooks the Seto Inland sea. On a clear day, there is a panoramic view of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, and the sea between Okayama prefecture and Kagawa prefecture. Unfortunately, it was not a totally clear view the day I visited. 
 
There are a couple of trails but the highlight for me was seeing the smiling rock. Looking over the precipice was very scary but surreal at the same time. Many thoughts of "what ifs" certainly went through my mind. The kids (from my host family) were fearless. My heart skipped several beats watching over them. "危ない” (dangerous), "気をつけて"（Be careful), I found myself saying repeatedly to the kids. If only I had the heart of a child in this moment! 
 
I would definitely recommend visiting Mt. Ōjigadake, to have a smile with the smiling rock or simply to enjoy the views that Mt. Ōjigadake offers. Thanks to the families that took me to visit this very cool rock!


MEXT Scholarship Series: The Smiling Rock (Japanese Embassy Facebook)

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