Asuka Village, nestled in the heart of Nara Prefecture, serves as a historical cornerstone for Japan, marking the era over 1,400 years ago when the nation began to take shape during the Asuka Period. This period is notable not just for its political and cultural developments but also for the significant roles women played in society.
The era saw several empresses excel in various domains, leaving a lasting impact on Japan through their leadership in politics, religion, and literature. The narrative of these influential women unfolds across Kashihara City, Takatori Town, and Asuka Village, encapsulated in the theme "The Dawn of Japan: Women in the Asuka Period." This story was recognized by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs on April 24, 2015, as one of the first "Japan Heritage" items. It highlights the contributions of five women who played crucial roles in shaping the destiny of early Japan, showcasing their unique influence on the country's development.
Among these figures was Empress Suiko, Japan's first female emperor, who played a pivotal role in restoring order and introducing Buddhism to Japan. She managed to blend the new Buddhist beliefs with traditional Shinto practices, laying the groundwork for Japan's unique cultural identity. Following her, Empress Kogyoku (later known as Empress Saimei) and
Empress Jito continued the legacy of strong female leadership.
Their efforts in diplomacy, civil projects, and the establishment of a centralized state through the Taiho Code were instrumental in solidifying Japan's early structure and governance. These empresses, with their strategic and thoughtful leadership, remain key figures in the early chapters of Japan's history.
Index:
Asuka Rice Terraces | Cafe Kotodama | Asuka-dera Temple | Asuka Yume Market | Ishibutai Kofun Tumulus | Kitora Tumulus | Sakafune-shi Stone | The Complex of Man'yo Culture | Tachibana-dera Temple | Takamatsuzuka Tomb and Mural Hall
Asuka Inabuchi Rice Terraces
Asuka is also known for its gorgeous rice terraces.
These terraced fields are known as tanada. Their moderate slopes create vast, majestic landscapes, a tradition dating back to the Asuka Period (592-710). Legend has it that these fields near Tachibana-dera Temple, once part of an imperial estate, were cultivated by the Emperor's family. The temple, originally Emperor Kinmei's palace, was transformed into a sacred site by Prince Shotoku who is said to have been born within its walls.
A mere 20-minute journey from Ishibutai Tumulus by foot or bicycle will lead to this picturesque locale. Whether capturing the reflection of the sky when the fields are flooded for planting in spring, or the golden hues of a mature rice crop swaying in the wind in summer, not to mention the purple glow of a summer sunset, or the fiery hues of red spider lilies encircling the rice paddies in autumn, Inabuchi rice terrace is a popular enclave for photographers.
Access:
Address: Inabuchi, Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0123
Phone: 0742-27-8752
Hours: 24hrs
Admission: N/A
Cafe Kotodama
Pursuing even a handful of the plentiful things on offer to do in Asuka will leave you with an empty stomach - this is where Cafe Kotodama comes to the fore. A charming 200-year-old building that was once a sake brewery was reformed by the owner and transformed into one of the most popular eateries in the area. If you plan to go without a reservation, be prepared to wait.
The only thing more impressive than the stunning interior is the food itself. The exquisitely presented lunch plate is chock-full of the freshest ingredients sourced from the village that very morning. Desserts are also seasonal and are centered around cakes, parfaits and kakigori shaved ice in the summer.
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Just inside the entrance to the restaurant there is also a small shop selling condiments, hand made goods and currently delicious donuts to take out. We bought a few to treat our staff.
Access:
Address: 1223 Oka, Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0111
Phone: 0744-54-4010
Hours:
Mon, Thurs & Fri: 10:00 - 17:00
Closed: Tuesday & the 3rd Wednesday of the month
Sat, Sun Hols: 10:00 - 18:00
Lunch time: 11:00 - 14:00
Tea time: 14:00 - close
Asuka-dera Temple
Constructed in 596 by the influential Soga clan, Asuka-dera Temple is Japan's first-ever Buddhist temple, established roughly six decades following Buddhism's arrival from the Asian mainland. Initially expansive, the temple now comprises a few buildings from the 17th and 19th centuries, yet it shelters Japan's oldest Buddha statue.
The Asuka Great Buddha, sculpted in 609 by a master from the Korean peninsula, stands about three meters tall and embodies the profound influence that the Asian mainland had on early Japanese Buddhist art. Now designated as an Important Cultural Property, it required about 15 tons of copper and 30 kilograms of gold to complete.
The Temple was commissioned by Soga no Umako and served to underscore the Soga clan's pivotal role in Buddhism's early Japanese adoption, overcoming opposition from the Mononobe clan. As the political and religious heart moved to Nara, the Temple's essence transitioned there too, morphing into what is known as Gango-ji Temple, thereby earning Asuka-dera the moniker "original Gango-ji."
This statue, alongside the temple's architecture influenced by Baekje craftsmen, highlights Asuka-dera Temple's critical role in the cultural and religious tapestry of Japan, marking it as a cornerstone of the nation's Buddhist heritage.
Access:
Address: 682 Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0103
Phone: 0744-54-2126
Hours:
April 1st to Sept 30th: 9:00 - 17:30
Oct 1st to March 31st: 9:00 - 17:00
Admission: Adult ¥350 | High School & Uni Students ¥300 | Elementary Students ¥200
Asuka Yume Market
This cute farmer's market on the outskirts of the village offers a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables along with a few meats and desserts, many of which of locally grown in Asuka. The carpark is huge and the staff are very really friendly. It's a great little place to stop off and refresh yourself.
Access:
Address: 225-2 Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0103
Phone: 0744-54-3311
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Ishibutai Kofun Tumulus
The Ishibutai Kofun is an impressive ancient burial mound and is officially Japan's largest megalithic structure. Constructed in the 7th century, it is widely believed to be the tomb of Soga no Umako, a powerful member of the Soga clan, which played a significant role in the politics of the Asuka Period. The kofun is distinctive for its massive stone chamber, which is exposed and accessible to visitors, offering a rare glimpse into the engineering feats of Japan's tomb builders. This tumulus is characterized by its large stone slabs, with the largest estimated to weigh around 77 tons.
The site's layout consists of a square frontal area and a rear circular mound, a style typical of the kofun period, though most other kofun are covered with earth and not as visibly striking as the Ishibutai. Today, the Ishibutai Kofun serves not only as a historical site but also as a cultural landmark, drawing visitors from around the world. The exposed nature of the stone chamber allows for an immersive experience as one can walk directly into the tomb and stand below ground surrounded by the giant slabs of rock.
Ishibutai Kofun becomes particularly enchanting during the spring season. The site is celebrated for its cherry blossoms, which draw visitors to the area for a unique event known as "yozakura," the nighttime illumination of over 60 sakura trees around the site. This seasonal event transforms the atmosphere of the tumulus, casting the ancient stones and blooming trees in a soft, ethereal light, creating a memorable springtime experience.
Access:
Address: 254 Shimasho, Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0112
Phone: 0744-54-4577
Hours: 9:00 -17:00
Admission: Adult ¥300 | Students ¥100
Kitora Tumulus and Mural Experiential Museum
The Kitora Tumulus is a two-tiered, circular mound that came into the spotlight in 1983 following the discovery of its vividly colored murals. After an archaeological survey, the tumulus was reburied and restored to its original dimensions in 2015. Constructed between the late 7th and early 8th centuries, features a stone chamber adorned with mural paintings influenced by continental Asian styles. Extensive studies and conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve the mound, stone chamber, and murals.
The mural paintings inside the Kitora Tumulus are executed on plastered walls with fine brushwork, depicting a comprehensive celestial map—the oldest of its kind in East Asia—along with the four directional deities and zodiac figures with animal heads on human bodies. These murals are not only the earliest examples in East Asia but also hold significant scholarly value as cultural properties.
The exhibition space at the museum is thoughtfully arranged with detailed replicas and interactive displays. Visitors can view high-resolution images of the murals, a life-sized model of the stone chamber, and a diorama depicting life in ancient Asuka. Additionally, the museum offers a documentary detailing the history of the Kitora Tumulus from its discovery through to the research, restoration, and eventual reburial of its access pathways, providing a comprehensive view of the site's historical context.
Adjacent The Kitora Tumulus is the Mural Experiential Museum Shijin no Yakata which provides an interactive learning environment about the tumulus and its murals, offering insights into the Ancient Asuka period during which the tumulus was erected. The Viewing Plaza allows visitors to appreciate the restored tumulus from an elevated perspective, enhancing the visitor experience by offering a panoramic view of this historical site.
Access:
Address: 67-67 Abeyama, Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0134
Phone: 0744-54-5105
Hours: 9:30 - 17:00
Admission: Free
Sakafune-ishi Stone
Sakafune-ishi is one of several monolithic stones located in Asuka and undoubtedly the most mysterious. This granite slab, with its impressive dimensions of 5.5 meters in length, up to 2.3 meters in width, and 1 meter in thickness, is marked by a series of circular dents and grooves on its upper surface.
The stone's name, which translates to "Sake Ship Stone," hints at a possible use in ancient sake brewing or related ceremonial practices, yet no definitive evidence has confirmed this theory. The nearby Tortoise-Shaped Stonework, which seems to have been designed to hold and release water, only adds to the enigma, suggesting a complex water-related function for the site.
The stone is accessed easily via the rear entrance to The Complex of Man'yo Culture. You will find a sign post which points left to The Turtle-shaped Stonework and right to Sakafune-ishi. Take the steps to the right which will lead you through a small yet enchanting bamboo grove, and you'll be at the megalith within a few minutes.
Despite the stone's apparent connection to water rituals, its true significance remains a topic of debate among scholars and enthusiasts. What is undisputed is the stone's cultural significance, underscored by its age, estimated to be around 1,300 years old dating back to the Asuka period, a pivotal time in Japan's history. Efforts to preserve the stone and study it using modern scientific techniques, such as 3D scanning and elemental analysis continue in the hope of uncovering more insights into its construction methods and historical context.
Access:
Address: Oka, Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0111
Phone: N/A
Hours: N/A
Admission: N/A
The Complex of Man'yo Culture
Nara Prefecture Complex of Man'yo Culture, or Man'yo Bunkakan, is a museum of considerable size and detail, devoted to the celebrated Man'yo-shu poetry collection, a cornerstone of Japanese literature originating from the Asuka Period. "Man'yo-shu," which translates to "Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves" is Japan's oldest extant collection of Japanese waka poems, with over 4,500 poems written by a diverse group of contributors, including emperors, aristocrats, and commoners. The anthology is revered for capturing the essence of early Japanese aesthetics with themes ranging from nature and love to death and travel.
The museum features two primary exhibition spaces. The Japanese Painting Hall showcases modern paintings that have songs from the Man'yo-shu as their motif, while the General Exhibition Hall offers an interactive experience with life-sized models, a theatre, and dynamic displays. Additional facilities include a special exhibition hall, The Man'yo Library, a museum shop, and a café. The site of the museum is historically significant as well, being the location of Japan's earliest known mint. Replicas of the type of coins that were once produced here are also on display.
Within the grounds of the museum is the Man’yo Garden, which features plant species that inspired the poets of the Man'yo-shu, as well as reconstructed ruins and monuments bearing inscriptions from the anthology. For those interested in memorabilia, the museum shop offers original merchandise, souvenirs from the Nara and Asuka regions, and seasonal items.
To visit the Complex of Man'yo Culture, one can take the Loop Bus from Kashiharajingu-mae Station to the Man'yo Bunkakan Nishi-guchi bus stop, or alternatively, rent a bicycle from either the same station or from around Asuka Station.
Access:
Address: 10 Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0103
Phone: 0744-54-1850
Hours: 10:00 - 17:30 (Last entrance: 17:00)
Admission: Free
Exhibitions: A fee is required. Please refer to the official webpage for prices.
Tachibana-dera Temple
Tachibana-dera Temple is a site steeped in the spiritual history of Japan, its serene presence today belies its historical significance. As a Tendai sect Buddhist temple, it is said to have been established during the influential era of Prince Shõtoku, a key figure in the early adoption of Buddhism in Japan and a pivotal architect of the nation's early government.
Prince Shõtoku, served as regent from 593 and championed Buddhism and centralized governance. His reign saw the adoption of Chinese administrative systems and cultural exchanges that profoundly influenced Japanese society. Prince Shõtoku's legacy includes the Seventeen-Article Constitution, promoting ethical governance and meritocracy, and his support for Buddhism helped unify the nation.
Prince Shõtoku's impact is deeply felt in Japan's cultural and political realms. His efforts in establishing temples and fostering diplomatic ties with China have left an indelible mark on the country. Today, he is venerated for his role in shaping a harmonious society, with his philosophies and policies continuing to resonate as a bedrock of Japanese identity.
Legend holds that Tachibana-dera Temple was one of several temples founded by Prince Shõtoku, reflecting his commitment to the spread of Buddhist teachings. The temple is also believed to be his birthplace, adding to its cultural and historical importance. Over the centuries, Tachibana-dera Temple has witnessed the ebb and flow of Japan's history, enduring through periods of both prominence and obscurity
Today, the temple's cultural significance endures, not only as a historical site but also as a symbol of the Asuka Period's contributions to Japanese identity. The temple stands as a testament to the era's artistic and architectural advancements, and its connection to Prince Shõtoku underscores the profound impact of Buddhism on the country's development. Visitors to Tachibana-dera Temple can reflect on the temple's past while enjoying the tranquility it offers in the present.
Kurokoma
At Tachibana-dera Temple you will also see a beautiful bronze statue of a Kurokoma, Prince Shõtoku's fabled trusty steed.
Tales tell of this horse's ability to glide through the air, carrying Prince Shõtoku on a a journey that spanned the breadth of Japan in three days, even ascending the heights of Mt. Fuji. On more terrestrial ventures, Kurokoma served as Prince Shõtoku's faithful companion his whole life as he traversed the land fostering the spread of Buddhism. His remains can still be seen today in temples scattered around the country.
Despite the horse's mythical flights, depictions of Kurokoma lack the wings that typify the celestial equines of East Asian lore. This absence of wings is a deliberate choice, distinguishing Kurokoma from the likes of Pegasus. The origins of Kurokoma's purported powers may trace back to another legend, one that positions Prince Shõtoku's birthplace within a stable, hinting at an innate bond between him and the equine world, a bond that transcends the ordinary and ventures into the realm of the extraordinary.
Access:
Address: 532 Tachibana, Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0142
Phone: 0744-54-2026
Hours: 9:00 - 16:30
Admission:
Takamatsuzuka Tomb and Mural Hall
Located next to the special historic site "Takamatsuzuka Tomb," the hall exists to fully elucidate the historical significance of the tomb. Exhibits include precise replicas of the murals as they were found and a full size model of the stone burial chamber, as well as replicas of items found inside, such as grape mirrors.
The murals discovered in 1972 were designated as national treasures and are not always open to the public to ensure their preservation. Therefore, the Takamatsuzuka Mural Hall, focusing on mural replicas, was built next to the tomb and opened to the public in March 1977.
Constructed of clay and sand, the tomb has a diameter of 16m and stands 5m high. It is believed that the tomb belonged to a prince related to Emperor Tenmu, whose palace was located in Asuka. The marine animal grape mirror found inside further corroborates this theory. A mirror with the same pattern was excavated from a tomb built in 698 in Xi'an, China, suggesting that the mirror found in the tomb was brought back from China by envoys to the Tang Dynasty.
Access:
Address: 439 Hirata, Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0144
Phone: 0744-54-3340
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Admission: Adult ¥300 | High School/Uni Student ¥130 | Elementary Student ¥70
Index:
Asuka Rice Terraces | Cafe Kotodama | Asuka-dera Temple | Asuka Yume Market | Ishibutai Kofun Tumulus | Kitora Tumulus | Sakafune-shi Stone | The Complex of Man'yo Culture | Tachibana-dera Temple | Takamatsuzuka Tomb and Mural Hall
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