Uomidai Lookouts
On the north ridge of Yashima are the sites of four uomidai (“fish lookout”), each one commanding a different panorama over the Seto Inland Sea. Originally, the uomidai are believed to have been sentry points for an ancient fort, from which guards could see approaching ships. Over time, they also came to be used by local fishermen, who could recognize the location of schools of fish from such signs as rippling water or birds circling above. Signals from the uomidai would direct fellow fishers to favorable fishing spots.
The southeastern-most uomidai, located near the Sengendo Temple site, faces Yashima Bay, Mt. Goken, and the Mure area, with the Seto Inland Sea to the left. Below the lookout is a small cluster of houses on a spot where a fishing village may once have stood. Also visible from the site is the cove where, in the lead-up to the famous Battle of Yashima in 1185, the Taira clan hid their ships.