Ōmori Katsuyama Site, Stone circle site at Mount Iwaki base, Hirosaki, Japan
Ōmori Katsuyama Site is a stone circle located near Mount Iwaki's base in Hirosaki, comprising 77 stone groupings arranged in an oval formation. The excavated collection includes ceremonial items such as swords, stone plates, and around 250 disc-shaped objects from the Jomon period.
This archaeological site dates from the Final Jomon period approximately 1,000 years ago and was discovered in 1959 during construction work. The layers of findings indicate the location was used for ritual gatherings over an extended period.
The stone arrangements reveal how Jomon communities gathered for ceremonies, leaving behind objects that suggest ritual offerings and spiritual practices. Visitors can sense the sacred nature of this location where gatherings once took place.
The site features walking paths connected to parking areas for easy access to the stone formations across open ground. An on-site center near the stone circle displays artifacts and provides information to help visitors understand what they see.
During winter solstice, the setting sun aligns directly behind Mount Iwaki's summit when viewed from the stone circle. This alignment suggests the ancient builders may have deliberately incorporated solar events into their ceremonial design.
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