Japan HeritageSakafune-ishi Ruins (Tortoise-Shaped Stone Structure)
Empress Saimei is said to have performed fertility rites and other ceremonies here. Situated on top of a hill, Sakafune-ishi is a giant granite slab measuring 5.5 meters long, up to 2.3 meters wide, and 1 meter thick. Its upper surface is marked with circular dents and grooves. Nearby, a short way down the hill, is the Tortoise-Shaped Stone Structure, which was apparently used to hold and release water. Water would enter the turtle’s head, be held in the shell section, and flow out of the tail.
Information
- Address
- Oka, Asuka-mura
- Tel
- 0744-54-5600
- Admission
- Tortoise-Shaped Stone Structure 300 yen
- Hours
- Tortoise-Shaped Stone Structure 8:30–17:00 (enter by 16:45)
- Access
- Take the Akakame bus and get off at Man'yo-bunkakan Nishiguchi