Aji
The town of Aji is surrounded on three sides by the Seto Inland Sea, and is famous for the high-quality granite quarried from Mt. Goken, referred to as Aji Stone. Along with the neighboring town of Mure, Aji is considered one of Japan’s premier granite-producing areas. The towns have a thriving Aji Stone industry, and approximately 200 masons and stone dealers do business there.
Aji Stone has long been popular with artists and designers, including famous sculptor and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988). The Takamatsu City Stone Museum in Aji showcases sculptures made of Aji Stone and other types of stone from around the world. The renowned sculptor Nagare Masayuki (1923–2018) had a studio and residence in Aji and worked with Aji Stone. These spaces are now open to the public as a museum.
Aji has a few secluded beaches, such as Enohama Beach, which are known for their white sand composed of eroded Aji granite. Mt. Goken is also a noted hiking destination, especially for pilgrims visiting Yakuriji Temple, the 85th temple on the famous Shikoku Pilgrimage. Aji is located on the north side of Mt. Goken, and has been part of the municipality of Takamatsu since 2006.