Itto-seki Split Boulder, Split boulder formation at Hotoku-ji Temple in Yagyucho, Japan
The Itto-seki Split Boulder is a massive granite formation located at Hotoku-ji Temple grounds, cut vertically through its center with two halves standing side by side. The clean separation reveals the stone's internal structure and creates a striking visual presence that dominates the temple courtyard.
Local legend credits this stone to the feudal period when swordmaster Yagyu Munetoshi allegedly split it with his blade during a supernatural encounter. This event became part of the mythology surrounding the founding and rise of his influential martial school in the region.
The boulder stands as a symbol tied to the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu sword school, a martial tradition that shaped the region's identity for centuries. People visiting the temple still recognize this stone as a marker of the warrior culture that once defined this area.
The boulder is situated outside the main village, reached by a combination of bus travel and walking through the countryside. Plan for a full outing with adequate footwear, as the approach involves both roads and natural pathways around the temple grounds.
The split exhibits remarkable symmetry, with both halves remaining nearly perfectly aligned despite centuries of exposure to weather and ground movements. This geometric precision makes visitors wonder whether the division followed natural fracture patterns or something more deliberate.
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