Asuka Village symbolizing the Asuka Era
Asuka Village is the place where you can find out about the history of the Asuka Era in Nara through relics such as burial mounds known as kofun and shrines & temples. The village, located in the center of Nara Prefecture, is an area which has retained various historical heritage sites symbolizing the Asuka Era which had held the capital and the Imperial residence. Known as the home for the Japanese soul, its history is currently being saved through the preservations of many burial mounds and relics. As well, the village is in the middle of the lushness of nature so there is also a tranquil atmosphere. You will be able to enjoy a journey filled with a calm spirit of history.
The many kofun and relics representing the Asuka Era
The kofun known as the Ishibutai Tomb which has the largest horizontal stone chamber in Japan is a must-see sightseeing spot when you come to Asuka Village. It is also said to have been the grave of Soga-no-Umako, one of the most powerful people in the area long ago. This distinctive site with its pile of rocks uses granite which has a weight of 2300 tonnes. The beautiful scenery created in spring during the season of cherry blossoms envelops the village in a magical atmosphere as if it were truly lost in the Asuka Era. Next to Takamatsuzuka Tomb, there is Takamatsuzuka Fresco Museum (admission required) where a replica of a fresco of a group of women discovered on the west wall is preserved. Other replicas of buried properties can also be seen there. The tomb has been developed as a park managed by the national government, and its beautifully arranged grounds are great for hiking. There are many other relics and burial mounds for those history buffs in Asuka Village such as the Asuka Mizoochi Ruins which was a water clock that may have been created by Prince Naka-no-Oe, the burial mound for heads for Soga-no-Iruka, and the impactful Kameishi (Tortoise Stone) whose origins and purpose have remained a mystery. Also, you can’t forget Asuka-dera Temple supposedly built by Soga-no-Umako which is Japan’s oldest large temple. To wrap up your journey, it’s recommended to visit the Amakoshi-no-Oka observation point from where at an altitude of 148 meters, you can view the entirety of beautiful Asuka Village.