Monkey Stones

Takamatsuzuka Burial Mound (Takamatsuzuka kofun) is a small 7th-century burial mound famous for the richly coloured wall paintings discovered inside in 1972. The paintings depict figures including the celebrated Asuka Beauties, as well as the Four Guardian Gods and representations of the sun, moon and stars. The original tomb is carefully protected and is not open to visitors, but the nearby Takamatsuzuka Mural Hall displays reproductions of the paintings and explains the excavation and conservation work. The tomb is an important example of the cultural connections between Asuka-period Japan and the wider East Asian world.

Kameishi (Tortoise Stone) is one of the unusual carved stones scattered across the Asuka countryside. The large, roughly turtle-shaped stone is thought to date from the Asuka period, although its original purpose and meaning remain uncertain. Local tradition says that the stone faces toward the direction of Nara and that, should it ever turn completely around, the surrounding region would be submerged.\

Tachibana-dera is a Buddhist temple traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Prince Shōtoku, one of the most important figures in the early development of Buddhism in Japan. Founded in the Asuka period, the temple occupies a peaceful site surrounded by rice fields and hills. The main hall contains a number of Buddhist images, including the unusual **Taishō Kannon**, while the temple grounds preserve the remains of its ancient foundations. Tachibana-dera is located close to Ishibutai and other major sites in the Asuka area, making it easy to combine with a tour of the surrounding archaeological landscape.

Kitora Tumulus (Kitora kofun) is a small 7th-century burial mound famous for its exceptionally preserved wall paintings. The original tomb is closed to visitors to protect the paintings, but the nearby Shijin-no-Yakata exhibition hall displays a full-scale reproduction of the burial chamber, allowing visitors to see the paintings and their arrangement. The murals include the Four Guardian Gods, astronomical images of the sun, moon and stars, and human figures. The original paintings are considered among Japan's most important surviving examples of ancient tomb art and show strong connections with contemporary art and cosmology in East Asia.

Asuka-dera is one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples and one of the most important sites in Asuka. Founded around 596 by Soga no Umako, it was established during the introduction and early development of Buddhism in Japan. The temple's principal image, the Asuka Daibutsu, is traditionally dated to 609 and is regarded as Japan's oldest surviving Buddhist image, although it has undergone repairs and restoration. The present temple buildings are much later reconstructions, but the site preserves the location of the original temple complex.

Sakafune-ishi is a large, unusually shaped stone on a hillside in Asuka, carved with a series of channels, grooves and shallow depressions. Its purpose is unknown, although various theories have suggested that it was used for ritual activities, the preparation of liquids, or some form of ancient water system. The stone is generally dated to the Asuka period and is one of several mysterious carved stones found around Asuka. A short walk through the wooded hillside leads to the stone.