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Although it is not well known, stone circles also exist in Japan
in Towada-Oyu, Kazuno City, Akita PrefectureThe Oyu Stone Circle, is believed to be one of the largest stone circles in Japan, dating back to the late Jomon period. Famous examples of similar sites include Stonehenge in England.
Isn't it exciting to think that Japan also has magnificent stone circles built by people of the Jomon period? Recently, these ruins have been increasingly featured as power spots
What is the Oyu Stone Circle?
The Ōyu Stone Circleisthe Nonakadō Stone Circleandthe Manza Stone Circleprimarily consisting of two stone circles:a stone arrangement site.
a national special historic siteIt was designated"Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku."as part of thea UNESCO World Heritage Site (cultural heritage)it was registered asan important archaeological site from the late Jomon period, approximately 4,000 years ago.
The stones are arranged in a double concentric circle structure, and the Nonakado Stone Circle has a diameter of 44 meters, while the Manza Stone Circle has a diameter of 52 meters, making themamong the largest in Japan.
The stone circle is made of quartz diorite brought from the Yasukudani River, about 7 kilometers east of the ruins, and the stones weigh an average of 30 kg. Some stones weighed up to 200 kg. It is believed that many people over several generations were involved in its completion
In the middle of the double circle, on the northwest side when viewed from the center of the circle,a sundial-shaped stone arrangementthere is a structure called
As the name suggestsa sundial, and it exists in both of the two stone circles. The centers of the two stone circles and the sundial-shaped stone arrangement are aligned in a straight line, pointing in the direction of the summer solstice sunset.
It is believed that in ancient times, standing stones themselves were objects of worship or symbols of deities, and there are many traces of megalith (rock) worship remaining in the Tohoku region, and this ruin is said to be one of them
A sacred place for the Jomon people
The ruins were discovered in 1931
Full-scale academic investigations began in 1951, and the results of the excavations to date suggest that this sitea place of worshipwasa communal burial ground. The rows of stones are thought to have been tombstones. However, no human remains or grave goods have been unearthed from this site. This is inferred from the fact that jar burials and grave goods were unearthed at the nearbyIppongi-goro site, and was identified as a burial ground.
that resemble stone circlesGroup burial sites from the late Jomon periodhave also been found in Hokkaido and other areas. These sites feature a central stone surrounded by a circular embankment or pillars, and are considered evidence that stone circle worship was widespread during the Jomon period.
Remains of buildings and pillars have been found around the stone circle, and pottery, stone tools, and clay figurines have also been excavated. Many tools thought to be related to rituals have also been excavated, so it is certain that this place was an important ritual site. Given its size, it is no exaggeration to say that it is a sacred place, built over several generations by the residents of the nearby settlement
Stone Circles and Pyramids
The Oyu Stone Circle has recently gained popularity as a power spot, with rumors even circulating that a giant shaman and the spirits of the dead appear there. Nearby isKuromanta Mountain, a beautifully triangular mountain that has been revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times, and some believe that the line connecting the stone circle and the mountain is a place where the earth's energy flows. If you're going to Oyu, it's recommended to visit the stone circle and then pay your respects at the shrine on the summit of Kuromanta Mountain.
Kuromatayama isan artificially constructed pyramid. In fact, large-scale investigations have been conducted in the past, and while the results confirmed that the mountain itself is a naturally formed structure, terrace-like structures covered with gravel have also been discovered. In other words, thereevidence that the mountain originally existed but was later decorated by human hands.
Additionally, the same stones used at Hongu Shrine on the summit as those used in the Oyu Stone Circle are used, strongly suggesting a connection between the mountain and the stone circle. The mountain can also be seen from the Oyu Stone Circle, and its pyramid-like silhouette can be seen
By the way, while ancient stone circles and pyramids are always surrounded by rumors, there are also stories of this site being connected to a super ancient civilization and the existence of aliens, and there are also stories of UFOs being frequently sighted in the areas around Oyu Stone Circle and Mt. Kuromata
If you're interested, head to the Oyu Stone Circle Museum
The Oyu Stone Circle has been maintained and is open to the public, and can be viewed free of charge
Nearby is the Oyu Stone Circle Museum, which displays pottery and clay figurines discovered during excavations, and also serves as an event venue and rest area
It seems that you can make a reservation and be shown around by a volunteer guide (free of charge) at the historical site, so it is a spot that is well worth visiting when sightseeing around Lake Towada or Oyu Onsen, both as a historical site and as a power spot
Oyu Stone Circle Museum <Information>
Name: Oyu Stone Circle Museum
Address: 45 Manza, Towada Oyu, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, 018-5421
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