Chōju-iwa, or Longevity Rock, is a remarkable natural landmark in Ōnishi, Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture. Measuring approximately 7 meters in diameter and weighing an estimated 600 tons, this enormous, nearly spherical rock is an impressive sight. Its unusual size and beautifully rounded shape have made it one of the symbols of Yamazoe Village, attracting visitors who are fascinated by extraordinary geological formations.
Chōju-iwa was discovered in 1995 during earthworks for the construction of the Yamazoe Village Furusato Center. Excavation work in the surrounding mountains unexpectedly revealed the enormous stone, astonishing and delighting local residents. The rock was subsequently moved to its present location, where visitors can now admire it at close range. Its discovery is a reminder that even ordinary construction work can sometimes reveal remarkable natural treasures hidden beneath the ground.
Chōju-iwa is believed to be granite that formed approximately 100 million years ago, when the area that is now Yamazoe Village lay along the eastern edge of the Asian continent. Deep underground, at a depth of roughly 10 to 20 kilometers, magma gradually cooled and solidified to create the rock. Over immense spans of geological time, natural processes shaped the stone into the striking formation seen today. Looking at Chōju-iwa offers a tangible connection to the Earth’s distant past and the powerful forces that shape the landscape.
One of Chōju-iwa’s most intriguing features is a series of white lines crossing its surface. Their arrangement resembles a globe marked with the equator and meridians, prompting speculation about what the pattern might represent. These distinctive cross-shaped bands are among the rock’s most fascinating details. Their origin has inspired various interpretations, adding an air of mystery to an already extraordinary natural formation. Visitors can examine the markings up close and form their own impressions of this unusual feature.
Chōju-iwa stands on the grounds of the Yamazoe Village Furusato Center, a multipurpose community complex that serves residents of different generations. Its facilities include a 486-seat community hall, a multipurpose outdoor plaza, an indoor gateball court, and a health and welfare center. The complex is an important gathering place for the local community. Visitors exploring the area can combine a stop at Chōju-iwa with a look around the center and enjoy a brief introduction to everyday life in Yamazoe Village.
Chōju-iwa is conveniently located just off the Yamazoe Interchange on the Meihan National Highway.
Take a bus bound for Kokudo Yamazoe from either JR or Kintetsu Tenri Station, or from Uenoshi Station. Get off at the Kokudo Yamazoe bus stop, which is immediately beside the destination.
With its enormous size, near-perfect spherical shape, and mysterious white markings, Chōju-iwa is a distinctive attraction in Yamazoe Village. Discovered by chance during construction work, this ancient granite boulder has become a cherished local landmark. For travelers exploring the quieter countryside of Nara Prefecture, Chōju-iwa offers an easy and memorable stop where geology, natural history, and local community life come together.