写真提供：橿原神宮
Kashihara:
The Birthplace of Japan
A city where history and vitality intertwine, Nara Prefecture's second largest city.
As the second-largest city in Nara and a strategic central hub, Kashihara offers the ideal balance of historical significance and modern accessibility.
ts central location makes it the perfect gateway for discovering the wonders of Nara, providing everything a traveler needs for an unforgettable stay.
The Cradle of the Japanese Nation
As the legendary site of Emperor Jimmu's enthronement, Kashihara is celebrated as the land where Japan began. Here, history comes to life through iconic landmarks such as Kashihara Jingu Shrine and the Fujiwarakyo palace Ruins, the site of Japan’s first permanent, full-scale capital.
Discover the captivating charm of a city that served as the very foundation of the Japanese state.
Heritage for the Future:
Asuka-Fujiwara’s Journey to World Heritage
In partnership with neighboring Asuka Village and Sakurai City, Kashihara is currently seeking UNESCO World Heritage registration for the "Asuka-Fujiwara" sites. To ensure that these invaluable assets—which chronicle the very dawn of the Japanese state—are passed down to future generations, our entire city is radiating a renewed sense of pride and vitality
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UNESCO World Heritage Candidate: Asuka-Fujiwara
This region, encompassing Kashihara, Asuka, and Sakurai, served as the monumental setting where the foundations of the Japanese state were first established approximately 1,300 to 1,400 years ago. It is a land that preserves the very origins of Japan’s national identity.
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Where the Identity of "Japan" Took Shape
This monumental site marks the dawn of centralized governance under the Ritsuryo (legal codes) system. It is here that the name of the nation, "Nihon" (Japan), and the title of "Tenno" (Emperor) were officially established for the first time. The landscape vividly preserves the evolution of Fujiwara-kyo—Japan’s first authentic capital—a revolutionary urban center that seamlessly integrated the Imperial Palace with a sophisticated grid of city streets.
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A Fusion of East Asian Influence and the Aesthetics of “Wa (the Spirit of Japan)”
Through vibrant exchanges with mainland China and the Korean Peninsula, Japan introduced advanced technologies in Buddhist architecture and urban planning. These influences were thoughtfully adapted to the local landscape and climate, eventually evolving into a unique Japanese cultural and political identity. The ruins of palaces and temples remain today as a “testament to transformation,” showcasing the birth of a distinctly Japanese civilization.
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From Tumuli to Temples: A Dynamic Shift in Spirituality
This region offers a unique window into a profound era of transformation. From the monumental Ishibutai Tumulus to the vivid murals of the Takamatsuzuka and Kitora tombs, and finally to Asuka-dera—Japan’s first authentic Buddhist temple—these sites form a world-class heritage. Together, they narrate the dramatic evolution of social values as indigenous ancestor worship paved the way for the embrace of Buddhist faith.
In Asuka-Fujiwara, the remnants of ancient palaces and burial mounds live on amidst a tranquil, pastoral landscape. Here is the place that Japan’s ancestral roots vividly re-emerge—a site of profound universal value that deserves to be shared with the world.
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The Heart of Nara: Central and Southern Region
From the central plains of the Nara Basin to the deep forest-clad mountains of Yoshino, this region stands as the cradle of the Japanese nation.
As the site of Emperor Jimmu’s legendary enthronement and the home of Japan’s first true capital, Fujiwarakyo, it is the monumental stage where the story of Japan truly began.
Experience the sacred serenity of the Yamanobe-no-michi, whispered to be Japan’s oldest road, and the majestic peaks of Yoshino, where the mountain slopes are painted in a vibrant tapestry of seasonal colors.
In this region, historical sites echoing with the breath of antiquity coexist in perfect harmony with breathtaking nature and the living traditions of the people, carefully preserved through the ages.
Step away from the urban noise behind and embrace a slower rhythm of life.
Here, you will discover “the other Nara”—a serene sanctuary waiting to be explored.
At our Information Center, we provide personalized guidance on the hidden gems and seasonal highlights waiting to be discovered across this vast region. We invite you to begin your journey into the very roots of Japan, starting right here in Kashihara.