Asuka

The Asuka Historical Museum presents archaeological discoveries from the Asuka region, including stone carvings, architectural remains and artefacts from the area's ancient temples and burial sites. Exhibits explain the development of Asuka as an early political and cultural centre of Japan and help put the many scattered archaeological sites around the countryside into context. The museum is particularly useful for understanding sites such as Ishibutai, the Kitora and Takamatsuzuka tombs, and the remains of ancient Asuka-period temples. It makes a good introduction to the region before visiting the archaeological sites themselves.

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.

Oka-dera Temple, also known as Ryūgaiji, is a Buddhist temple founded in 663 on a hillside overlooking the Asuka plain. The temple is particularly noted for its gardens, autumn colours and the large Nyoirin Kannon, a clay statue dating from the Nara period and regarded as the largest clay Buddhist statue in Japan. The temple's name means “Temple on the Hill”, while its traditional name, Ryūgaiji, is associated with a legend in which the monk Gaien subdued a dragon and confined it beneath a large stone. The temple is one of the 33 temples of the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage and is also traditionally associated with prayers for protection from bad luck.

Asuka Niimasu Shrine (Asuka-imasu Jinja) is an ancient Shinto shrine in the hills north of Asuka village. Dedicated to several deities associated with the protection of the region and fertility, the shrine is particularly known for its unusual fertility symbolism. Its annual Onda Matsuri in February is famous for its fertility rituals and humorous performances. The present shrine buildings are relatively modest, but the site provides an interesting contrast to Asuka's numerous Buddhist temples and archaeological remains and reflects the area's continuing religious traditions.

Ishibutai Tumulus (Ishibutai kofun) is one of Asuka's most famous archaeological sites. The enormous stone chamber is exposed because its original earthen burial mound has disappeared. Built in the late 6th or early 7th century, the tomb is traditionally associated with Soga no Umako, one of the most powerful figures of the Asuka period. The massive stones forming the chamber are particularly impressive, with the largest weighing many tonnes. Visitors can enter the chamber and see how the tomb was constructed. The site is surrounded by a small park and is one of the most distinctive remains of ancient Asuka.

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.

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.

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.