The Oyu Stone Circles in Kazuno, Akita Prefecture, began their stone circles reopening on April 11 following a winter closure. This site forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage property. Additionally, free guided tours of the Jomon Period ruins also started on that day. The ruins date back approximately 4,000 years. Specifically, they include the Manza and Nonakado stone circles as well. Visitors can also tour the Oyu Stone Circles Museum.
The museum recorded about 22,000 visitors last fiscal year. However, attendance dipped from autumn onward. Specifically, reports of bear sightings in the area caused this decline. Consequently, the stone circles reopening now welcomes spring visitors.
Yoshiro Abe works for the Oyu SC Club, a local volunteer guide association. He said the group guides a wide range of visitors. For instance, these include people touring various Jomon sites across northern Tohoku. School excursion groups from Hokkaido also visit. Additionally, travelers from Nepal have come to the site. People visit for different reasons, Abe explained. Some have deep interest in archaeological ruins. Others see the site as a power spot for spiritual energy.
On the opening day, however, sparse crowds visited the outdoor ruins. Inclement weather kept many people away. A man visiting from Towada, Aomori Prefecture, shared his thoughts. He said the doban clay tablets are mysterious. Specifically, they show that Jomon people understood numbers one through six. Looking at the sundial shaped stone alignments, he felt the romantic allure of ancient times.
The stone circles reopening offers free guided tours throughout the spring season. Local volunteers lead these tours daily. Moreover, the museum also resumed regular operations. Thus, visitors can explore both indoor exhibits and outdoor archaeological remains. The site remains a key cultural destination in Akita Prefecture. The stone circles reopening provides a chance for renewed tourism after bear related declines. Authorities have taken measures to ensure visitor safety regarding wildlife. Therefore, future attendance may recover as warm weather encourages more travel.
