Sakafune-ishi | Asuka Megalith | Stonework | 酒船石 | 飛鳥村 | Sakafune-ishi Stonework | Japanese Megalith

Sakafune-ishi is one of several monolithic stones located in Asuka and undoubtedly the most mysterious. This granite slab, with its impressive dimensions of 5.5 meters in length, up to 2.3 meters in width, and 1 meter in thickness, is marked by a series of circular dents and grooves on its upper surface.
The stone's name, which translates to "Sake Ship Stone," hints at a possible use in ancient sake brewing or related ceremonial practices, yet no definitive evidence has confirmed this theory. The nearby Tortoise-Shaped Stonework, which seems to have been designed to hold and release water, only adds to the enigma, suggesting a complex water-related function for the site.
The stone is accessed easily via the rear entrance to The Complex of Man'yo Culture. You will find a sign post which points left to the The Turtle-shaped Stonework and right to Sakafune-ishi. Take the steps to the right which will lead you through a small yet enchanting bamboo grove, and you'll be at the megalith within a few minutes.
Despite the stone's apparent connection to water rituals, its true significance remains a topic of debate among scholars and enthusiasts. What is undisputed is the stone's cultural significance, underscored by its age, estimated to be around 1,300 years old dating back to the Asuka period, a pivotal time in Japan's history. Efforts to preserve the stone and study it using modern scientific techniques, such as 3D scanning and elemental analysis continue in the hope of uncovering more insights into its construction methods and historical context.
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