Kameishi Turtle Stone
A colossal, man-made turtle-shaped stone steeped in ancient folklore, nestled in the historic Asuka Village.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for clear views
Kameishi Turtle Stone
Best Time
Best for clear views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal, man-made turtle-shaped stone steeped in ancient folklore, nestled in the historic Asuka Village.
"It's the turtleiest and rockiest turtle rock that ever did cap the lands."
🎯 Navigate with Care
Signs can be misleading; ask locals for directions to find Kameishi efficiently. :round_pushpin:
🛒 Market Stop
Visit the market beside Kameishi for refreshments before or after your visit. :shopping_cart:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.8 · 628 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Kameishi Turtle Stone
A colossal, man-made stone carved into the shape of a turtle, steeped in ancient folklore.
Asuka Village Exploration
Discover the rich history and numerous kofun (ancient burial mounds) scattered throughout the scenic countryside.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding the Turtle Stone
Combine with Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is Asuka worth a visit?
We’ll be stopping in Nara on our way from Tokyo to Osaka. I’ve seen some videos of Asuka and it looks interesting to drop by. Anyone have any recommendations for things to do/see there or should we just skip it?
🎯 Navigate with Care
Signs can be misleading; ask locals for directions to find Kameishi efficiently. :round_pushpin:
🛒 Market Stop
Visit the market beside Kameishi for refreshments before or after your visit. :shopping_cart:
Trip Report: 2.5 Weeks of Nature & History (Kansai, Shimanami Kaido, Hiroshima)
This subreddit helped me a lot in planning my trip, so I thought I'd return the favour and share a recap of my recent solo trip as first time traveler. To give a little background to see whether my itinerary will suit you: I'm 32 years old and I would describe myself as…
🚲 Explore Asuka by Bike
Rent a bicycle to fully explore the countryside and historical sites of Asuka. 🚲
📜 Understand the Lore
Read the folklore on the plaque to appreciate the sculptor's tale. 📜
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Navigate with Care
Signs can be misleading; ask locals for directions to find Kameishi efficiently. :round_pushpin:
🛒 Market Stop
Visit the market beside Kameishi for refreshments before or after your visit. :shopping_cart:
🚲 Explore Asuka by Bike
Rent a bicycle to fully explore the countryside and historical sites of Asuka. 🚲
📜 Understand the Lore
Read the folklore on the plaque to appreciate the sculptor's tale. 📜
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Kameishi Turtle Stone to be a unique, man-made rock formation with interesting folklore. While some appreciate its distinctiveness and the surrounding scenic beauty, others note that it can be difficult to find and may not be a significant attraction for those not deeply interested in Japanese history or local legends.
"This, my friends, is a turtle rock. It is the turtleiest and rockiest turtle rock that ever did cap the lands. There is some ancient folklore chiseled into a plaque -- but for the most part, it is just talking about how a sculptor turned a rock into a turtle. I'd recommend making a quick pit-stop at the market beside the 亀石 either before your visit so that you can refresh and prepare your mind and body for the sheer brilliance that is the turtle rock."
Nate Harris
"As a non-Japanese speaker, this was quite hard to find. I went there for the lore only, but there was a sign pointing the wrong way, so I turned left and walked a long way to the stone. If the sign had clearly pointed forward I would have been there in 30 seconds, but now it took me 15 minutes.
The weather was also not very good, so by the time I saw the stone, I was cold to the bone and a big annoyed, even though the surroundings are very pretty.
If you like Japanese history and also want to see the many kofun in Asuka, this would be nice to visit, but if you want to come here for Kameishi specifically, like me, don't bother. It looks exactly like the picture here and feels like any other stone."
F van Hoek
"Colossal stone 🪨 with surprising shape"
Barefoot Centipede
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kameishi is located in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture. While it can be challenging to find, renting a bicycle is a popular way to explore the area and reach the stone. Public transport options might require local bus services, so checking schedules in advance is recommended.
Finding Kameishi can be difficult, especially for those who don't speak Japanese, as signs can sometimes be misleading. It's advisable to ask locals for directions or use a reliable map application.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kameishi Turtle Stone is an outdoor landmark and generally does not require an entrance fee. It's accessible to view as part of exploring Asuka Village.
As an outdoor natural and man-made landmark, Kameishi Turtle Stone is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best viewing experience and to appreciate the surrounding scenery.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the unique turtle-shaped stone itself, with folklore explained on a nearby plaque. Many visitors also enjoy the scenic surroundings and the opportunity to explore other historical sites in Asuka Village, such as kofun.
Yes, if you are interested in Japanese history and folklore, Kameishi can be a nice visit. It's part of the broader historical landscape of Asuka, known for its ancient burial mounds (kofun).
The folklore suggests that a sculptor transformed a rock into a turtle. A plaque at the site provides more details about this ancient tale.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique shape of the turtle stone from various angles. The surrounding natural landscape of Asuka Village also offers picturesque backdrops for your photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit