The Asuka area was the political and cultural center of Japan when the country was first established as a nation.The Asuka Law has been enacted to preserve the historical climate and natural environment of the area, and there are many places to visit.Asuka Village is accessible by train from Osaka, Nagoya, and Kyoto.
From Kashiharajingu-mae Station, the terminal station, there are many sightseeing buses for Asuka Village
ISHIBUTAI TUMULUS
This tumulus was created in the early 7th century and has a horizontal stone chamber of the largest size in Japan. The total weight of the 30 large and small stones is approx. 2,300 tons. You can even enter the tumulus and watch it from inside! Address: 133 Shimasho Hours: 8:30–17:00 TEL: 0744-54-4577 Fee: 250 yen
TAKAMATSUZUKA TUMULUS
The vividly colored mural in the stone chamber was drawn more than 1,300 years ago. In the Takamatsuzuka Mural Museum, you can see replicas of the stone chamber and the mural. Address: 439Hirata Hours: 9:00-17:00 TEL: 0744-54-3340 Fee: 250 yen
OKADERA - TEMPLE
Its formal name is Ryugai-ji. There is a pond called Ryugai-ike which is said to have a dragon sealed within in the grounds. The principle object of worship is the Cintamani-cakra bodhisattva sedentary statue (Important Cultural Property), which is the largest earthen statue in Japan. In the spring, 3000 rhododendrons color the grounds.
Entrance fee: 300 yen Open hours: March 1-November 30: 8：00~17：00; December 1 – End of February: 8：00~16：30
ASUUKA DERA TEMPLE
Built from the end of the 6th century to the start of the 7th century with the prayer of Soga no Umako, it is Japan’s oldest full-fledged Buddhist Temple. The copper Shakanyorai sedentary statue (Important Cultural Property) is the principle object of worship and is known by the popular name “Asuka Daibutsu”. Entrance fee: 350 yen Closed: April 7-April 9 Open hours: April 1 – September 30: 9：00~17：30; October 1-March 31: 9：00~17：00
