Tōjindaba Rock Formation
Tōjindaba is a prehistoric megalithic site located on a hill above Cape Ashizuri. This mysterious and impressive group of massive stones dates from the Jōmon period, from about 12,000 BC to about 300 BC, when the Japanese were hunter-gatherers with a relativity complex culture. The site comprises a flat henge or stone circle area that was unfortunately bulldozed flat before any excavation could be performed. From here you can see clumps of huge stones on a hillside. The henge area has a few boulders remaining. From here it’s a short walk up the hill to megaliths. The magnetic properties of these vast stones indicate that they were moved at some stage, but whether this occurred through glaciation or by human effort isn’t known. The rocks, which have interesting natural veins, also show signs of having been shaped by humans. They bear a close resemblance to the dramatic boulders that top Mt. Misen on Miyajima in Hiroshima, although there are far less people here.
Whatever the history of the stones, it’s very exciting to clamber over and among such enormous boulders, located as they are with a stunning view over the coast and ocean, under an expansive sky.
Information
Name in Japanese: 唐人駄場遺跡
Pronunciation: tōjin-daba isekee
Address: 977 Matsuo, Tosashimizu, Kochi 787-0316
