Kameishi

Kameishi is a large granite stone in Asuka carved to resemble a turtle, with detailed incisions marking the shell and body contours. The stone demonstrates the technical skill of ancient sculptors who shaped massive rocks into deliberate forms.

This stone dates to the ancient Asuka period when skilled artisans worked with granite to create carved monuments. It remains in its original location, serving as evidence of early stone-working techniques and the importance of stone objects in that era.

The turtle form carries meaning in local traditions as a symbol of longevity, and visitors often pause here to reflect on this connection. The stone sits within a landscape where people have gathered for centuries to honor these ancient monuments.

The stone sits within Asuka's archaeological area and is accessible via marked pathways through the village. Come early in the day when fewer visitors are around and the light better reveals the carved details of the granite.

The stone remains in its original position alongside other megalithic structures scattered across the area, creating a connected landscape of monuments. Visitors can discover several such stones on a walk through the valley, understanding how they were deliberately positioned together.