Yura and Narugashima Island functioned as a stronghold commanding the Kitan Strait, a key point on the Seto Inland Sea. Yura is an excellent natural port that has developed as a base for sea transport and trade. One can imagine the Ama who thrived in the area around the Kitan Strait. Also found here is Izushi Jinja Shinto Shrine, which is linked to the Izushi-no-tosu knife, associated with the Ame-no-hiboko-no-mikoto, the is mentioned in the Kojiki (the oldest historical record of Japan) and the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan).