Sakafuneishi

Japan’s Ancient

Stone Mystery

Hidden among the wooded hills of Asuka Village lies one of Japan’s most intriguing archaeological enigmas — Sakafuneishi, or the "Sake Ship Stone." Carved from a single massive boulder, this shallow, basin-like formation features an intricate channel system whose true purpose remains a mystery. Was it used in sacred purification rituals, sake brewing, or astronomical observation? No one knows for sure.

Dating back to the 7th century and associated with the elite circles of the Asuka Court, Sakafuneishi invites you to step into the unknown side of ancient Japan — where mythology, science, and ceremony may have once converged. A visit here offers more than a photo opportunity; it’s a rare chance to witness a piece of untouched history that continues to puzzle historians and captivate travelers.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Sakafuneishi to life.

A stone monument with Japanese inscriptions standing on grassy terrain at a historical site, with trees and a dirt path in the background.
A bamboo pathway with stairs leading up through a lush green forested area on a bright, sunny day.
A bamboo forest with tall green bamboo stalks and sunlight filtering through the leaves. There is a dirt path bordered by a natural fence, and a wooden bench along the path.
Large flat rock with an upright stone marker behind it, located in a bamboo forest with sunlight filtering through tall bamboo stalks and trees.
Large ancient stone with carved circular cutouts, situated in a bamboo forest with tall green stalks and a dirt path nearby.
Close-up of a stone water fountain with a carved channel and a small stream of water flowing through it, outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.
A stone water basin with two small pools of water, located in a wooded area with a dirt path and trees in the background.
A large flat stone with a vertical stone marker in front of a bamboo forest, with a large tree to the right, sunlight filtering through the dense bamboo and leaves.
A narrow dirt path winding through a dense bamboo forest with tall bamboo stalks and trees, sunlight filtering through the foliage.
Looking up at tall bamboo stalks in a dense bamboo forest with sunlight filtering through the leaves.