忍路環状列石, Archaeological site in Otaru, Japan
The Oshoro Stone Circle is an archaeological site near Otaru located on gentle sloping terrain at roughly 20 meters elevation. The elliptical arrangement spans about 33 meters north to south and 22 meters east to west, with large stones one to two meters tall forming the inner circle and smaller stones creating an outer ring.
The site was discovered in 1861 and underwent its first scientific excavation in the 1880s led by Sutero Tauchi, a student from Sapporo Agricultural College. This early research laid the groundwork for understanding Ainu settlement and their ancient practices in this region.
The stone circle was built by the Ainu people and shows signs of ancient rituals and gatherings. Visitors can see how these communities used the space to meet and mark important events together.
The site remains accessible year-round, but winter visits require caution due to snow and slippery terrain. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing, with warmer months offering easier access to explore the grounds comfortably.
The region between Otaru and Yoichi contains over 80 stone circles, with this example being the largest among them. This high concentration of ancient structures shows that this area was an important center for the Ainu people.
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