Oshoro Circular Stone
Otaru Travel Guide 2023
The BEST Things to Do in Otaru, Japan｜Otaru Day Trip
The stone circle, a 33m long x 22m wide oval shaped stone circle of various sizes, is located on a small river terrace in the western part of Otaru City. The stones were placed on a flat surface after the gentle slope at an elevation of 20 m was cut down and filled with gravel. It is a valuable site where visitors can see the remains of the ancient people's large-scale civil engineering work.
Research to date has revealed that the stone circle was constructed in the late Jomon Period (approximately 3,500 years ago), that the standing stones were not brought from the surrounding coast but from Cape Siripa in Yoichi Town, approximately 9 km away in a straight line, and that large wooden pillars were erected around the stone circle.
Considering the large scale creation and maintenance of the site over a period of time, the amount of work involved would be impossible for the surrounding communities to do alone.
It is known that the number of settlements around Otaru increased during this period, and it is believed that the creation and maintenance of the site was carried out jointly by the community.
In the area around Oshiro and Yoichi Bay, from western Otaru to Yoichi, there is a concentration of stone rings of various types in terms of location and composition, such as the Jichinzan Ring, the Nishizaki Mountain Circular Stone, the Hachimanzan Circular Stone in Yoichi Town, and the Mongak B Site in Niki Town.
Among these, the Oshiro Circular Stones are considered to be the core of the group.
Facility name
Oshoro Circular Stone
Address
〒048-2561 2 Oshoro, Otaru City, Hokkaido
Phone
Otaru Museum 0134-33-2523
Opening hours
free to observe
Regular closing day
free to observe
Website
＞Click here to visit our website.
Tai monaka chocolate with 23 lucky spots in Otaru decorated on the packaging. Chocolate and rice puffs are added to the 100% glutinous rice monaka dough, which is baked using traditional techniques.
Otaru Department Store UNGA↑
Original products that convey the attractions of Otaru are developed and sold in a storefront converted from the former Otaru warehouse headquarters, which is said to be the oldest business warehouse in Hokkaido, located in the Otaru North Canal area. The shop tells the story of Otaru's prosperity in the pioneering days of Hokkaido and the history of the Kitamaebune, and displays and sells processed seafood and agricultural products from the port of call and Hokkaido, as well as original products by craftsmen and artists associated with Otaru.
Facility name
Otaru Department Store UNGA↑
Address
〒047-0031 2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru City
Phone
0134-65-8150
Opening hours
11:00~18:00
Regular closing day
None
Website
＞Click here to visit our website.
The BEST Things to Do in Otaru, Japan｜Otaru Day Trip
The stone circle, a 33m long x 22m wide oval shaped stone circle of various sizes, is located on a small river terrace in the western part of Otaru City. The stones were placed on a flat surface after the gentle slope at an elevation of 20 m was cut down and filled with gravel. It is a valuable site where visitors can see the remains of the ancient people's large-scale civil engineering work.
Research to date has revealed that the stone circle was constructed in the late Jomon Period (approximately 3,500 years ago), that the standing stones were not brought from the surrounding coast but from Cape Siripa in Yoichi Town, approximately 9 km away in a straight line, and that large wooden pillars were erected around the stone circle.
Considering the large scale creation and maintenance of the site over a period of time, the amount of work involved would be impossible for the surrounding communities to do alone.
It is known that the number of settlements around Otaru increased during this period, and it is believed that the creation and maintenance of the site was carried out jointly by the community.
In the area around Oshiro and Yoichi Bay, from western Otaru to Yoichi, there is a concentration of stone rings of various types in terms of location and composition, such as the Jichinzan Ring, the Nishizaki Mountain Circular Stone, the Hachimanzan Circular Stone in Yoichi Town, and the Mongak B Site in Niki Town.
Among these, the Oshiro Circular Stones are considered to be the core of the group.
Facility name
Oshoro Circular Stone
Address
〒048-2561 2 Oshoro, Otaru City, Hokkaido
Phone
Otaru Museum 0134-33-2523
Opening hours
free to observe
Regular closing day
free to observe
Website
＞Click here to visit our website.
Chocolate in the shape of a sea bream
Tai monaka chocolate with 23 lucky spots in Otaru decorated on the packaging. Chocolate and rice puffs are added to the 100% glutinous rice monaka dough, which is baked using traditional techniques.
Otaru Travel Guide Category List
Otaru Department Store UNGA↑
Original products that convey the attractions of Otaru are developed and sold in a storefront converted from the former Otaru warehouse headquarters, which is said to be the oldest business warehouse in Hokkaido, located in the Otaru North Canal area. The shop tells the story of Otaru's prosperity in the pioneering days of Hokkaido and the history of the Kitamaebune, and displays and sells processed seafood and agricultural products from the port of call and Hokkaido, as well as original products by craftsmen and artists associated with Otaru.
Facility name
Otaru Department Store UNGA↑
Address
〒047-0031 2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru City
Phone
0134-65-8150
Opening hours
11:00~18:00
Regular closing day
None
Website
＞Click here to visit our website.
