Mushi-uki Ishidohyo, Japanese Stone Post

In Japan, decorative stone pillars can be seen in all sorts of places. These so-called Ishidōhyō (石道標) are placed partly in the ground and contain a written text that must be read from top to bottom. This text can cover a variety of subjects. It can, for example, indicate the way or a location. Additionally, poetic texts also frequently appear.

The Japanese text on this Ishidōhyō is read as Mushi-uki (虫うき), which refers to a commonly used fishing method using live bait. This indicates that this pole once stood near a fishing spot or a bait shop.