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Ancient Origins - Things To Do In Asuka Village


Asuka Village, nestled in the heart of Nara Prefecture, serves as a historical cornerstone for Japan, marking the era over 1,400 years ago when the nation began to take shape during the Asuka Period. This period is notable not just for its political and cultural developments but also for the significant roles women played in society.


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The era saw several empresses excel in various domains, leaving a lasting impact on Japan through their leadership in politics, religion, and literature. The narrative of these influential women unfolds across Kashihara City, Takatori Town, and Asuka Village, encapsulated in the theme "The Dawn of Japan: Women in the Asuka Period." This story was recognized by Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs on April 24, 2015, as one of the first "Japan Heritage" items. It highlights the contributions of five women who played crucial roles in shaping the destiny of early Japan, showcasing their unique influence on the country's development.



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Among these figures was Empress Suiko, Japan's first female emperor, who played a pivotal role in restoring order and introducing Buddhism to Japan. She managed to blend the new Buddhist beliefs with traditional Shinto practices, laying the groundwork for Japan's unique cultural identity. Following her, Empress Kogyoku (later known as Empress Saimei) and

Empress Jito continued the legacy of strong female leadership.


Their efforts in diplomacy, civil projects, and the establishment of a centralized state through the Taiho Code were instrumental in solidifying Japan's early structure and governance. These empresses, with their strategic and thoughtful leadership, remain key figures in the early chapters of Japan's history.




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Asuka Inabuchi Rice Terraces

Asuka is also known for its gorgeous rice terraces.


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These terraced fields are known as tanada. Their moderate slopes create vast, majestic landscapes, a tradition dating back to the Asuka Period (592-710). Legend has it that these fields near Tachibana-dera Temple, once part of an imperial estate, were cultivated by the Emperor's family. The temple, originally Emperor Kinmei's palace, was transformed into a sacred site by Prince Shotoku who is said to have been born within its walls.


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A mere 20-minute journey from Ishibutai Tumulus by foot or bicycle will lead to this picturesque locale. Whether capturing the reflection of the sky when the fields are flooded for planting in spring, or the golden hues of a mature rice crop swaying in the wind in summer, not to mention the purple glow of a summer sunset, or the fiery hues of red spider lilies encircling the rice paddies in autumn, Inabuchi rice terrace is a popular enclave for photographers.


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Access:





Address: Inabuchi, Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0123

Phone: 0742-27-8752

Hours: 24hrs

Admission: N/A



 


Cafe Kotodama


Pursuing even a handful of the plentiful things on offer to do in Asuka will leave you with an empty stomach - this is where Cafe Kotodama comes to the fore. A charming 200-year-old building that was once a sake brewery was reformed by the owner and transformed into one of the most popular eateries in the area. If you plan to go without a reservation, be prepared to wait.


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The only thing more impressive than the stunning interior is the food itself. The exquisitely presented lunch plate is chock-full of the freshest ingredients sourced from the village that very morning. Desserts are also seasonal and are centered around cakes, parfaits and kakigori shaved ice in the summer.


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Just inside the entrance to the restaurant there is also a small shop selling condiments, hand made goods and currently delicious donuts to take out. We bought a few to treat our staff.



Access:






Address: 1223 Oka, Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0111

Phone: 0744-54-4010

Hours:

Mon, Thurs & Fri: 10:00 - 17:00

Closed: Tuesday & the 3rd Wednesday of the month

Sat, Sun Hols: 10:00 - 18:00

Lunch time: 11:00 - 14:00

Tea time: 14:00 - close




 


Asuka-dera Temple

Constructed in 596 by the influential Soga clan, Asuka-dera Temple is Japan's first-ever Buddhist temple, established roughly six decades following Buddhism's arrival from the Asian mainland. Initially expansive, the temple now comprises a few buildings from the 17th and 19th centuries, yet it shelters Japan's oldest Buddha statue.


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The Asuka Great Buddha, sculpted in 609 by a master from the Korean peninsula, stands about three meters tall and embodies the profound influence that the Asian mainland had on early Japanese Buddhist art. Now designated as an Important Cultural Property, it required about 15 tons of copper and 30 kilograms of gold to complete.



The Temple was commissioned by Soga no Umako and served to underscore the Soga clan's pivotal role in Buddhism's early Japanese adoption, overcoming opposition from the Mononobe clan. As the political and religious heart moved to Nara, the Temple's essence transitioned there too, morphing into what is known as Gango-ji Temple, thereby earning Asuka-dera the moniker "original Gango-ji."


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This statue, alongside the temple's architecture influenced by Baekje craftsmen, highlights Asuka-dera Temple's critical role in the cultural and religious tapestry of Japan, marking it as a cornerstone of the nation's Buddhist heritage.



Access:





Address: 682 Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0103

Phone: 0744-54-2126

Hours:

April 1st to Sept 30th: 9:00 - 17:30

Oct 1st to March 31st: 9:00 - 17:00

Admission: Adult ¥350 | High School & Uni Students ¥300 | Elementary Students ¥200



 


Asuka Yume Market

This cute farmer's market on the outskirts of the village offers a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables along with a few meats and desserts, many of which of locally grown in Asuka. The carpark is huge and the staff are very really friendly. It's a great little place to stop off and refresh yourself.





Access:





Address: 225-2 Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0103

Phone: 0744-54-3311

Hours: 9:00 - 17:00




 


Ishibutai Kofun Tumulus

The Ishibutai Kofun is an impressive ancient burial mound and is officially Japan's largest megalithic structure. Constructed in the 7th century, it is widely believed to be the tomb of Soga no Umako, a powerful member of the Soga clan, which played a significant role in the politics of the Asuka Period. The kofun is distinctive for its massive stone chamber, which is exposed and accessible to visitors, offering a rare glimpse into the engineering feats of Japan's tomb builders. This tumulus is characterized by its large stone slabs, with the largest estimated to weigh around 77 tons.



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The site's layout consists of a square frontal area and a rear circular mound, a style typical of the kofun period, though most other kofun are covered with earth and not as visibly striking as the Ishibutai. Today, the Ishibutai Kofun serves not only as a historical site but also as a cultural landmark, drawing visitors from around the world. The exposed nature of the stone chamber allows for an immersive experience as one can walk directly into the tomb and stand below ground surrounded by the giant slabs of rock.



Ishibutai Kofun becomes particularly enchanting during the spring season. The site is celebrated for its cherry blossoms, which draw visitors to the area for a unique event known as "yozakura," the nighttime illumination of over 60 sakura trees around the site. This seasonal event transforms the atmosphere of the tumulus, casting the ancient stones and blooming trees in a soft, ethereal light, creating a memorable springtime experience.



Access:





Address: 254 Shimasho, Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0112

Phone: 0744-54-4577

Hours: 9:00 -17:00

Admission: Adult ¥300 | Students ¥100




 


Kitora Tumulus and Mural Experiential Museum

The Kitora Tumulus is a two-tiered, circular mound that came into the spotlight in 1983 following the discovery of its vividly colored murals. After an archaeological survey, the tumulus was reburied and restored to its original dimensions in 2015. Constructed between the late 7th and early 8th centuries, features a stone chamber adorned with mural paintings influenced by continental Asian styles. Extensive studies and conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve the mound, stone chamber, and murals.


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The mural paintings inside the Kitora Tumulus are executed on plastered walls with fine brushwork, depicting a comprehensive celestial map—the oldest of its kind in East Asia—along with the four directional deities and zodiac figures with animal heads on human bodies. These murals are not only the earliest examples in East Asia but also hold significant scholarly value as cultural properties.


The exhibition space at the museum is thoughtfully arranged with detailed replicas and interactive displays. Visitors can view high-resolution images of the murals, a life-sized model of the stone chamber, and a diorama depicting life in ancient Asuka. Additionally, the museum offers a documentary detailing the history of the Kitora Tumulus from its discovery through to the research, restoration, and eventual reburial of its access pathways, providing a comprehensive view of the site's historical context.



Adjacent The Kitora Tumulus is the Mural Experiential Museum Shijin no Yakata which provides an interactive learning environment about the tumulus and its murals, offering insights into the Ancient Asuka period during which the tumulus was erected. The Viewing Plaza allows visitors to appreciate the restored tumulus from an elevated perspective, enhancing the visitor experience by offering a panoramic view of this historical site.



Access:





Address: 67-67 Abeyama, Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0134

Phone: 0744-54-5105</