About Oyu Stone Circles

Oyu Stone Circles, located in Kazuno-shi, Akita Prefecture, is a Late Jomon Period site consisting of stone remains of two stone rings (Manza and Nonakado) believed to have been constructed approximately 4,000 years ago. The site is believed to have been the site of religious ceremonies and social activities of the people of the time, and is of great significance in the archaeological history of Japan; in 2010, it was listed on UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage sites, attracting many tourists for its historical value and mysterious charm.

The Oyu Ring Stones are characterized by the regular arrangement of stones of various sizes, arranged in two rings. The two ring arrays, Manza and Nonakado, each have a different shape and arrangement, and are interspersed with standing stones and stone arrangement remains, creating a unique atmosphere that stirs the imagination as to what kind of rituals ancient people might have performed at this site. In particular, the arrangement of the stones is said to reflect ideas about the movement of the heavenly bodies and the changing of the seasons, which shows the depth of knowledge and beliefs of the people of that time.

In addition, the Jomon period dwelling sites, pottery shards, stone tools, and other artifacts have been discovered in the area around the Oyu Ring Stones, providing many clues to the lifestyle and culture of that period. This allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the lifestyle and social structure of the people of the Jomon period. Information boards and explanatory plaques have been installed at the site, allowing visitors to learn about the site in an easy-to-understand manner even without specialized knowledge.

At Oyu Ring Rocks, visitors can also enjoy beautiful natural scenery in each of the four seasons. In spring, the ruins are covered in budding fresh greenery, in summer in deep green, and in fall, the autumn colors of the leaves adorn the ruins. In particular, the ring of stones seen in the quiet winter snowy landscape creates a different and mysterious atmosphere that deeply impresses visitors. In this way, the Oyu Ring Stones, with their different appearances in each season, are a place that offers new discoveries and impressions no matter how many times you visit.

Furthermore, there is a museum near the site that displays excavated artifacts and provides detailed explanations about the ruins. This allows visitors to enjoy the site not only as a tourist attraction, but also as a place of learning.

The Oyu Ring Rocks are a special tourist attraction because of their historical value and natural beauty. This place is a must-see for history lovers and those who enjoy cultural exploration, as it allows visitors to experience the long history of the Jomon period while recalling the beliefs and lifestyles of the Jomon people.