Essays

Five thousand or more years ago, Jomon people constructed three megalithic sites as a living observatory for the sun’s passage in the sky during its yearly cycle. These megaliths are tucked away in the Iwaya mountain valley of Hida Kanayama, a mysterious, ancient, unspoiled land. They are the most sophisticated astronomical megalithic constructions ever recorded in history, anywhere!
The enormous megaliths were shaped and ingeniously assembled, creating small apertures through which the sun would shine on certain days of the year at certain times of the day. From these observations, a calendar is determined which incorporates the four- and 128-year leap-year cycles. This calendar is fifteen times more accurate than the current, globally employed, Gregorian calendar. It will take 51,000 years before making an error of one day!

The Kanayama Megaliths are a treasure not only for Japan but for the whole world. Experiencing the Kanayama Megaliths in the natural setting, we believe, can eventually lead to a world of happiness and peace.

Japan-Insights Clip:

The site and the people researching this Solar Calendar

Kanayama Megaliths Research Center:

This video provides very detailed explanation of the site and its calendar features

Harriet H. Natsuyama’s Blog:

Notes and detailed explanations of the Kanayama Megaliths (✪)