For the amateur treasure hunters, you have to know that identifying Yamashita treasure signs and markers is the most crucial step that you need learn when hunting for the treasures hidden by the Japanese Imperial Army. This is actually the vital aspect that most amateur treasure hunters do not have. It is important for you to know that nature is capable of crafting symbols and strange objects particularly the rocks and trees. Such symbols and objects made by nature are referred by some treasure hunters as natural signs or markers.

Being aware that natural signs or markers are accidentally created by nature, it is logical to say that they have nothing to do with any of the hidden Yamashita treasures. Although, what is really happening is that, many amateur treasure hunters often consider them as legit signs or markers. Thus, they end up digging the site only to find nothing and get disappointed. Many amateurs even end up quitting and have chosen to believe that the Yamashita treasures are a mere myth.

On my FaceBook Page, an amateur had sent me a Private Message asking for help on how to identify a legit Yamashita treasure sign and marker. This question is not actually the first time that has been asked to me. So I decided to answer it back through this post for the benefit of everyone to know.

Man-Made or Natural Sign and Marker

You should be able to distinguish the sign or marker that you found if it is natural or man-made. I have already covered signs and markers that are accidentally made by nature above which you need to avoid. But when it comes to the man-made signs and markers, these are the type of objects that you need to look.

Man-made signs and markers are created by human hands. When it comes to the Yamashita treasures, the JIA used their tools which include their special chemicals to engrave their signs on surfaces of rocks and trees. Through the use of their chemicals, they can even re-shape rocks even the hardest type of rocks around.

Now, to distinguish a certain sign or marker if it is natural or man-made, you need to carefully study them. Check how they got formed. If you have a phone with a camera then you should take a photo of it so that you can use it as a reference. So let’s say for example that you found an engraved X sign on the surface of a huge old rock. The next step that you need to do is to explore the other areas of that place and search for any existing similar type of rocks.

Let’s assume that you have found a similar type of rock situated a few meters away from the rock with an engraved X sign. However, this rock simply has random engraved lines on its surface which is very natural. What you have to do here is to make comparison between the two rocks. Observe and carefully spot for any differences particularly on how the lines got carved. If it happens that their engravings are carved in the same manner then sadly, the engraved X sign that you found is natural. However, if there is a huge difference then the X sign is considered as a legit man-made treasure sign.

Anyway, to be able to distinguish man-made signs and markers from those that are accidentally made by nature, it really does take a lot of time and practice. So if you are an amateur treasure hunter then it is best that you should start learning how to distinguish signs and markers. If you are able to distinguish signs and markers then the next step is for you to learn how to properly interpret their meanings.

Arrangements of the Signs and Markers

The JIA had used markers by giving them proper arrangements but not in a very obvious way which is not easily noticeable by an untrained eye. One good example is a group of an old rocks that are arrange in perfect formation such as triangle, circle, square, and straight line. Aside from the rocks, the JIA also commonly used trees in the same manner.

When it comes to the arrangement of the signs, it is important for you to know that signs are read in their proper order. It is due to this reason why it is highly advisable that you should not move the signs around that you discovered. It’s because their original positions have relations to their meanings. However, if it happens that you really need to remove the object with the sign on it then you should remember its original position. If you have a poor memory then it is best to take photos of it. This also goes the same with markers that can be moved around.

Signs and Markers found Deep under the Ground

Let’s say that you dug an insane depth of 40 feet deep under the ground. And surprisingly, you have uncovered a rock with an engraved turtle sign on its flat surface. Or, you have recovered broken pieces of bottles. Those are literally objects made by human hands and the question is how they did get in there?

Of course, they were placed in there by the JIA as signs and markers for their hidden Yamashita treasures. Their purpose is to guide treasure hunters that they are still following the correct directions towards the hidden item.

Moreover, there are still many other ways on how treasure hunters can distinguish or identify legit Yamashita treasure signs and markers. I just find it hard to explain them because it is really quite complicated. Anyway, it is actually more about experience. The more you try to study every signs and markers that you encounter, you will somehow gain the knowledge of being able to identify their authenticity. Unfortunately, there is no shortcut. The only possible shortcut is to look for a good mentor who already has a lot of experience and success in and treasure hunting.