Asuka, located in the prefecture of Nara about 25 km south of the city of Nara, is considered the cradle of the Japanese state and Japanese culture. It was in Asuka, during what is now known as the Asuka period (538-710) that the beginnings of a centralized state began to emerge, based on Chinese models of administration. Buddhism, also imported from the Asian continent, has begun to be adopted as a state religion by the ruling class and exchanges have increased between Japan and continental Asia, especially the Kingdom of Baekje in Korea. The capital was first established in Asuka before moving to Heijo Kyo (Nara) in 710, then again in Kyoto in 794, where it remained until 1868. Since the 1970s, archaeological excavations and the creation of various museums have led to an increase in the number of visitors, both Japanese and foreign. Asuka National Historic Government Park is divided into four main areas of interest: Takamatsuzuka Region, Ishibutai Region, Amakashi-no-Oka Region and Iwaido Region. These areas contain Asuka’s main attractions.
Ishibutai area
The Ishibutai region is dominated by the Ishibutai tumulus, the largest known megalithic structure in Japan. The nearby Asukakazebutai (Asuka Wind Stage) is a versatile rest area with shops. You can also see the ruins of Soga-no-Umako Residence and Shima-no-Miya Square.
Area of Amakashi-no-Oka
The Amakashi-no-Oka district houses the museum (free of charge for foreign visitors with passports) dedicated to the poetry of Manshu, which was written mainly during the Asuka period.
The historic temple of Asukadera, considered the oldest large-scale temple in Japan, houses a Buddhist statue. Founded in 596, about 60 years after the introduction of Buddhism in Japan, Asukadera was built as the first large-scale temple in Japan. It was originally a great complex, but now it consists of a handful of buildings that date back only a few hundred years.
The archaeological site of Sakafuneishi named after its mysterious stone and whose name means saké age includes many stones such as the turtle or demon cutting board.
Many megalithic sites are located in this area as well as observatories that offer stunning views.
The historic museum of Asuka is a little further north of this area with exhibitions on the history of Asuka in small models. An ancient stone fountain dating from the 7th century is also on display.
Iwaido area
Just opposite the small Asuka River, the Iwaido area includes the small wooded hills of Mount Fuguri and Mount Miwa, where an observatory offers fantastic views of the Asuka plains below. This region is known for its natural beauty, including its terraced fields dotted with red lycoris (higanbana) at the time of the autumn equinox.
To the north of this area is the Okadera temple on the hillside and the pretty streets of wooden houses that make up the village of Asuka. The Inukai Mansyo Memorial Hall, dedicated to the study of the Manshu, the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry deserves a visit. The building has a nice tea room with an outdoor terrace and coffee.
Just west of the village of Asuka is the historic Tachibanadera temple, which would be the birthplace of Prince Shotoku Taishi in 572. On the other side of the road are the ruins of the Kawaharadera temple (Gufukuji temple). More to the west on this road is the large turtle stone (kameishi).
Takamatsuzuka area
The Takamatsuzuka region, near the Asuka railway station, is home to the Asuka Government Historical National Park, which provides an overview of Asuka attractions through historical animation and touch screens. Also in this area is a Grass Plaza, an observatory with views of Asuka and the Takamatsuzuka Museum of Wall Paintings, which contains replicas of excavated murals from Takamatsuzuka’s tumulus. The tumulus of Nakaoyama is also located nearby with the mausoleum of Emperor Monmu.
For lovers its flowers, besides the hinganbana, the national park is a privileged place to observe flowering in autumn, safflower in summer and rapeseed in spring.
To Asuka
Asuka Station and Kashiharajingu-mae Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line are the main access points for visitors coming to enjoy the temples and tombs of Asuka.
Trains from Abenobashi (Osaka) take approximately 40 minutes in Limited Express to Asuka Station. The journey time is about 45 minutes from Kintetsu Nara train station to Kashihara jingu mae.
From Kyoto station, the journey to Kashiharajingu-mae takes 55 minutes. To Kintetsu Nagoya station, change to Kashihara Jingu-mae and Yamato-yagi stations. The journey time is about 2 hours 20 minutes.
This former capital is often squandered by tourist guides while it offers a very interesting historical alternative to Nara or Kyoto. From now on, its natural assets attract visitors: rolling hills and terraced rice fields that recall simpler times. For those who want to visit, summer is a great time to explore Asuka. For those considering cycling in the area, autumn can offer a more pleasant climate. The rice fields also take a beautiful golden color burned in this season. If you visit in the spring, don’t miss the cherry blossom in Ishibutai Tumulus.
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