Very nice Mike, thanks for taking me there.
PS what is the purpose of the hanging chains between the rocks?
Thank you, Lynn, and thank you for taking the time to check out the thread and ask a question.
It's a rope, not a chain. The following is some information from the internet about the significance of the rope on the rocks.
If you have ever visited a Japanese temple or shrine, you may have noticed impressive trees or rocks decorated with sacred rope. These trees or rocks are considered to be gods in Japan, and the sacred rope shows that they are special. Mitsu-ishi, (the Three Rocks) located at Cape Manazuru, is like this. Three large, sacred rocks sit in the sea, very close to shore. The rocks are decorated with a sacred rope and can be seen from a very far distance. In 1977, the Manazuru Tourist Association adorned the rocks with the rope, which is 13cm in diameter and 37m in total length. This huge rope weighs one ton!
Manazuru, the town, is nestled onto a small, beautifully wooded peninsula that sits just southeast of Hakone, only a 1.5 hour train ride from Tokyo Station on the JR Tokaido Line, and 15 minutes from Odawara Station. The name “Manazuru” originates from the shape of the peninsula, which resembles a crane with its wings open. The cape is the neck and head of the crane and is partially composed of lava from Hakone’s ancient volcanoes.
On New Year’s Day, large crowds of people make their way down to the beach to see the sunrise early in the morning. The sun comes up precisely in the middle of the Mitsu-ishi and their sacred rope. It is said that this sunrise is majestic—dramatically suitable for the beginning of the New Year. Summer is another busy season, when many people come here and enjoy the beach. Passing through the pine forest and groves of camphor trees, you’ll suddenly find yourself standing on the edge of the cape. Go down to the rocky beach; enjoy fishing, swimming, or just viewing the Three Rocks and other stunning scenery.
All the best,
Mike
