The Oyu Stone Circles are two large prehistoric stone rings from the Jomon period, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site within the Jomon Prehistoric Sites of Northern Japan. The Manza and Nonakado circles, some 4,000 years old, feature a striking sundial-like arrangement of standing stones, thought to relate to burial and ritual.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kazuno, Akita |
| Hours | Grounds always open; museum ~9:00–16:00 |
| Admission | Free (site); museum small fee |
| Time needed | About 1 hour |
| Best time | Spring–autumn (green) |
What to See
- Two large Jomon stone circles (~4,000 years old).
- The famous sundial-shaped standing-stone arrangement.
- The adjacent museum of excavated Jomon artifacts.
- A UNESCO World Heritage archaeological landscape.
Combine Your Visit
- Continue to the Towada-Hachimantai highland.
- See the Oga Namahage folk culture.
- Read our Akita overview .
Getting There
- By car: in Kazuno, near the Aomori border.
- By train + bus: JR to Towada-Minami, then bus.
Tips
The visitor museum gives essential context — see it first. The site is open and grassy, best appreciated in green or clear-weather seasons.
