Mystical stones in Asuka #1, Kutsuna Ishi

People used to believe that a divine spirit dwells in the stone. There is one such at Sakata district of Asuka village, which is popular for the view of beautiful paddy fields. Long time ago, when a stonecutter tried to cut the huge stone, suddenly the injured snake appeared. Later at night, he suffered from high fever and acute stomach ache then passed away. Since then, the stone has been called “Kutsuna ishi” as “Kuchina” means snakes in this area. Since then, it’s been worshipped by locals.

It takes a good half hour walk from Ishibutai Kofun to this mystical stone. It is also believed that the ritual had been performed in honor of a god for rain there.

Near the entrance to the stone, a panoramic view spreads out before you over Mt Nijo and it’s good for the sunset. It is definitely a great idea to come up here around the magic hour, in order to indulge in the beauty of the majestic nature which you cannot find in the big city while listening to the froggys and birds’ humming.