Timeline
16:27
Arrive at Awakura Stone Circles and find the path. Look for the sign from the road that points down toward the spires. Follow the path until you see the fallen stones below, which indicate you have reached the spot. The actual circles are off the path on the slope, so look up from the fallen stones to see them standing on the hill.
16:57
Settle in for the golden light. The sun sets toward the WSW, illuminating the stones as the light begins to fade. This is the key moment to observe the ancient alignment and the texture of the stones.
17:42
Stay until the light has fully faded. The stones will lose their definition, but the atmosphere of the quiet slope remains. Take a moment to reflect on the mystery of who built them and why.
Local tip
The path continues past the stones, so keep an eye out for the fallen stones as your marker. There are no facilities nearby, so bring water and check transport routes in advance.
Check before you go
- There are no food or drink shops in the immediate vicinity. Bring snacks and water.
- Check the route to Awakura Stone Circles as public transport may be limited.
- The stones are on a steep slope; wear appropriate footwear.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Nishiawakura (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).