Kodai Kameishi

The Kodai Kameishi, the Ancient Turtle Stone, in Tamura City, Fukushima, is a giant stone that closely resembles a turtle. It is said to be over ten meters tall, more than fifty meters around, and to weigh several thousand tons. Legend holds that at night it walks off in search of water, giving it a mystical air as a power spot.

Highlights

- A natural sculpted beauty that looks like a giant turtle crouching. - An overwhelming scale of over ten meters tall and over fifty meters around. - A curious local legend that it walks off at night seeking water. - A tale that a tengu once left footprints on top of the stone.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the surrounding fresh greenery sets off the giant stone, and in summer it becomes a cool space wrapped in green trees. Autumn adds foliage color, with a beautiful contrast against the stone. In winter the snow-capped turtle stone shows an even quieter, more mystical face.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Tokiwa area, Tamura City, Fukushima. - A car is convenient because it lies among the hills. - A path leads to the stone, so walking shoes are recommended. - To capture the whole stone in a photo, view it from a little distance.

A Quick Tip

You feel the size more as you draw near, but stepping back is the trick to capture the whole form. Gazing while recalling the legend lets you enjoy the mystical mood all the more.