Summer 2026
Toward UNESCO World Heritage Listing
for “Asuka-Fujiwara”

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Asuka Palace Site

Asuka Palace Site
所在地
Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Palaces and Administrative Centers: The Formation of Japan’s Centralized Nation
形成過程
The Development of Palaces based on the Ritsuryo Legal System

This site is where the Isshi Incident began. Research has shown that multiple palaces were built here consecutively over several generations, leading to its current name, the "Asuka Palace Site." Ongoing excavations continue to reveal the palace’s grandeur, uncovering features like stone-paved plazas and the ruins of a large well.

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Asuka-kyoato Garden and Pond Site

Asuka-kyoato Garden and Pond Site
所在地
101-53 Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Palaces and Administrative Centers: The Formation of Japan’s Centralized Nation
形成過程
The Development of Palaces based on the Ritsuryo Legal System

Located northwest of the palace's Inner Enclosure, these remains belong to an ancient garden pond. The pond featured stone-built revetments and a floor meticulously paved with stones, with some stonework forming a small island. On the south side, a 1.65-meter-tall stone fountain was installed, which was found to be connected to the Demizu Sakefune-ishi (a stone water-conduit structure). These remains are believed to be part of the "Shironishiki no Koen" (White Brocade Back Garden) mentioned in the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan) in the year 685.

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Asuka Mizuochi Site

Asuka Mizuochi Site
所在地
Asuka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Palaces and Administrative Centers: The Formation of Japan’s Centralized Nation
形成過程
The Development of Palaces based on the Ritsuryo Legal System

Established by Prince Naka-no-Oe, this was the first official timekeeping facility in Japan. Known as a rokoku, this water clock functioned using the flow of the Asuka River.

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Sakefune-ishi Site

Sakefune-ishi Site
所在地
Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Palaces and Administrative Centers: The Formation of Japan’s Centralized Nation
形成過程
The Development of Palaces based on the Ritsuryo Legal System

Alongside the Kame-ishi (Turtle Stone), this is one of Asuka’s most iconic stone monuments. Carved from a large, rectangular block of granite, its flat top surface features a mysterious pattern of circles, rounded squares, and ellipses connected by straight grooves. It earned its name from a legend that it was used for brewing sake, though its true purpose remains a mystery to this day.

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Fujiwara Palace Site

Fujiwara Palace Site
所在地
Daigo-cho, Kashihara City, Nara
価値
Palaces and Administrative Centers: The Formation of Japan’s Centralized Nation
形成過程
The Development of Palaces based on the Ritsuryo Legal System

The Fujiwara Palace Site marks the center of Fujiwara-kyo, Japan’s first authentic capital. Spanning approximately 1 km square, the palace housed the Daigokuden (Audience Hall) and Chodoin (State Halls) for national ceremonies and politics, as well as the Dairi (Imperial Residence). In modern terms, it combined the functions of the Imperial Palace, the National Diet Building, and the government district of Kasumigaseki. Although Fujiwara-kyo served as the capital for only 16 years, its innovative layout influenced the design of all subsequent Japanese capitals. A Seasonal Carpet of Flowers Today, the site is a popular destination for its stunning seasonal flowers. Visitors can enjoy a "colorful carpet" of canola blossoms, lotuses, and various types of cosmos throughout the year. Breathtaking Views and Cinematic Landscapes The site offers magnificent views of the Yamato Sanzan (the Three Mountains of Yamato), with sunrises and sunsets that are truly breathtaking. In 2011, the ridge lines of these mountains as seen from the palace site were designated as an "Important View Landscape." Notably, the view toward Mt. Kagu is completely free of modern concrete buildings, a rare feature that has made it a filming location for movies such as The Millennial Sunflower (Mitsuo no Kuri) and Hanezu. Plan Your Visit With nearby attractions like the Fujiwara-kyo Exhibition Hall and the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, the Fujiwara Palace Site is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day immersed in history and nature.

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Asuka-dera Temple Site

Asuka-dera Temple Site
所在地
682 Asuka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Buddhist Temple Sites: The Formation of Buddhism as a State Religion
形成過程
Acceptance of Buddhism

Founded in the late 6th to early 7th century by Soga no Umako, this is Japan’s oldest full-scale Buddhist temple. While the original buildings have been lost over time, the foundation stones of the pagoda and the Golden Hall still remain. The temple’s principal image, a bronze seated statue of Shaka Nyorai (an Important Cultural Property), is affectionately known by the name "Asuka Daibutsu" (the Great Buddha of Asuka).

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Tachibana-dera Temple Site

Tachibana-dera Temple Site
所在地
532 Tachibana, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Buddhist Temple Sites: The Formation of Buddhism as a State Religion
形成過程
Formation of Clan Temples

Believed to be the birthplace of Prince Shotoku (Prince Umayado), this is one of the seven temples established by the prince himself. Although the original buildings were lost to fire multiple times and the current structures date from the Edo period onwards, the temple still preserves a beautiful pagoda foundation stone shaped like a tachibana (a type of citrus fruit), which tells the story of its founding. The temple is also home to the "Nimen-ishi" (Two-faced Stone), one of Asuka’s many mysterious stone monuments.

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Yamada-dera Temple Site

Yamada-dera Temple Site
所在地
1266 Yamada, Sakurai City, Nara
価値
Buddhist Temple Sites: The Formation of Buddhism as a State Religion
形成過程
Formation of Clan Temples

Founded in 641 by the powerful clan leader Soga no Kurayamada no Ishikawamaro, this temple has a dramatic history. Construction of the Golden Hall and corridors was temporarily halted following Ishikawamaro’s political downfall, but resumed around 673, leading to the completion of the pagoda and other main structures. In 1982, a major archaeological breakthrough occurred when the east corridor was excavated exactly as it had collapsed centuries ago. This rare find serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the architectural styles of the 7th century.

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Kawara-dera Temple Site

Kawara-dera Temple Site
所在地
1109 Kawahara, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Buddhist Temple Sites: The Formation of Buddhism as a State Religion
形成過程
Formation of Clan Temples

Ranked as one of the Four Great Temples of Asuka—alongside Asuka-dera, Yakushi-ji, and Daikan-daiji—Kawahara-dera is a temple shrouded in mystery. It is traditionally said that Emperor Tenji founded the temple to pray for the repose of his mother, Empress Saimei, though its true origins remain debated among scholars. While the original structures are gone, a detailed scale model at the Asuka Historical Museum allows visitors to visualize the temple's former grandeur.

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Hinokuma-dera Temple Site

Hinokuma-dera Temple Site
所在地
577 Hinokuma, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Buddhist Temple Sites: The Formation of Buddhism as a State Religion
形成過程
Formation of Clan Temples

The Hinokuma-dera Temple Site was the clan temple of the Yamato-no-Aya, an influential immigrant family. Today, the site is located within the precincts of Omiashi-jinja Shrine. It features a 13-story stone pagoda dating from the Heian period, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property and stands as a testament to the area's deep historical roots.

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Daikan-daiji Temple Site

Daikan-daiji Temple Site
所在地
Koyama, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Buddhist Temple Sites: The Formation of Buddhism as a State Religion
形成過程
Formation of State Temples

The Daikan-daiji Temple Site represents what was once one of the grandest state-managed temples in 7th-century Japan. According to the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), the temple’s origins trace back to the "Kumagori Shoja" founded by Prince Shotoku. After being moved and renamed several times by successive emperors, it was established in Asuka as "Takechi-daiji" in 673. In 677, it was officially renamed "Daikan-daiji," meaning "The Great Government Temple." While historical records attribute its foundation in Asuka to Emperor Tenmu, archaeological excavations indicate that the current site’s structures date back to the reign of Emperor Monmu (late 7th century). During its peak, the temple boasted magnificent scale and splendor; its nine-story pagoda and Golden Hall were symbols of the nation's spiritual and political power. The pagoda was particularly massive, measuring five bays (approx. 15-20m) on each side. With the relocation of the capital to Heijo-kyo (Nara), the temple's functions were moved to the new capital and renamed Daian-ji. Sadly, the original site in Asuka was destroyed by a great fire in 711 and was eventually reclaimed by farmland. Although some foundation stones remained until the mid-Meiji period, most were removed in 1889 for the construction of Kashihara-jingu Shrine. Today, only the earthen mounds of the ancient platforms remain as a quiet reminder of the temple’s former majesty.

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Moto Yakushi-ji Temple Site

Moto Yakushi-ji Temple Site
所在地
Kidono-cho, Kashihara City, Nara
価値
Buddhist Temple Sites: The Formation of Buddhism as a State Religion
形成過程
Formation of State Temples

The Moto Yakushi-ji Temple Site marks the original location of the temple established by Emperor Tenmu to pray for the recovery of his consort, the future Empress Jito. When the capital was moved to Heijo-kyo (Nara), the temple was also relocated to its current site in Nara City. As a result, this original location became known as "Moto" (meaning "former" or "original") Yakushi-ji. Today, the foundation stones of the East and West pagodas remain, preserved in their original positions.

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Ishibutai Burial Mound

Ishibutai Burial Mound
所在地
254 Shimasho, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Tombs and Burial Mounds: Changes in Burial Systems under the Ritsuryo System
形成過程
Continuity and Transformation of Traditional Burial Systems

The Ishibutai Burial Mound (late 6th to early 7th century) is believed to be the tomb of the powerful leader Soga no Umako. It is Japan’s largest square burial mound (hofun), constructed from more than 30 massive boulders with a total weight of approximately 2,300 tons. The ceiling stone alone weighs about 77 tons, offering a glimpse into the advanced engineering and transportation techniques of the period. The mound’s name, meaning "Stone Stage," comes from a local legend that a fox once disguised itself as a beautiful woman and danced atop the flat stones on moonlit nights. Whether viewed from the outside or from within the cavernous stone chamber, its immense scale is truly overwhelming.

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Shobuike Burial Mound

Shobuike Burial Mound
所在地
Shobu-cho, Kashihara City, Nara
価値
Tombs and Burial Mounds: Changes in Burial Systems under the Ritsuryo System
形成過程
Continuity and Transformation of Traditional Burial Systems

The Shobuike Burial Mound is located near the border between Kashihara City and Asuka Village. Its horizontal stone chamber is designated as a National Historic Site, and visitors can view the interior of the burial chamber on-site through a protective fence. While the mound's original shape was long unknown, a 2010 excavation revealed it to be a two-tiered square mound (hofun) measuring approximately 30 meters on each side. The chamber is a ryosode-shiki type (symmetrical entrance), though its total length remains a mystery as the entrance passage is largely buried. The main burial chamber is constructed from two tiers of massive granite blocks, a style noted for its close resemblance to the Iwayayama Burial Mound located near Asuka Station. The most remarkable feature of this site is the two house-shaped stone sarcophagi arranged in a line. These sarcophagi are unique in Japan, featuring distinctive roof shapes finished with ridge-like decorations and interiors coated in lacquer. Their identical design suggests they were created by the same craftsman and were planned to be placed together from the moment of construction.

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Kengoshizuka Burial Mound

Kengoshizuka Burial Mound
所在地
131 Koshi, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Tombs and Burial Mounds: Changes in Burial Systems under the Ritsuryo System
形成過程
Transition and Development of New Burial Systems Octagonal Tumuli and Tumuli with Murals

The Kengoshizuka Burial Mound, also known as "Asagao-zuka," is situated on the Mayumi-oka hills, a scenic location offering views of the Hinokuma imperial tombs. Designated as a National Historic Site, a 2009 excavation revealed it to be a rare octagonal tumulus, measuring approximately 22 meters across and over 4.5 meters in height. The interior features a unique "side-entry stone sarcophagus" (yokoguchi-shiki sekkaku) meticulously carved from a single massive block of tuff to create two separate chambers. The craftsmanship is exceptionally sophisticated, characterized by a gently domed ceiling. Although the tomb was looted in antiquity, a 1914 excavation recovered significant artifacts, including fragments of a kyochokan (dry-lacquer coffin), cloisonné-decorated metal fittings, and glass beads. While various identities have been proposed for the deceased, the leading theory is that this is the final resting place of Empress Saimei and her daughter, Princess Hashihito. The discovery of the adjacent Koshizuka Gomon Burial Mound to the southeast has further heightened interest in the site, particularly regarding its connection to the historical records in the Nihon Shoki.

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Mausoleum of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jito

Mausoleum of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jito
所在地
45 Noguchi, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Tombs and Burial Mounds: Changes in Burial Systems under the Ritsuryo System
形成過程
Transition and Development of New Burial Systems Octagonal Tumuli and Tumuli with Murals

The Tomb of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jito is the joint burial site for Emperor Tenmu (formerly Prince Oama) and his consort, Empress Jito. Emperor Tenmu ascended the throne after his victory in the Jinshin War of 672. Following his death, Empress Jito succeeded him as a reigning empress and oversaw the construction of Fujiwara-kyo, Japan’s first full-scale capital city.

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Nakaoyama Burial Mound

Nakaoyama Burial Mound
所在地
Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Tombs and Burial Mounds: Changes in Burial Systems under the Ritsuryo System
形成過程
Transition and Development of New Burial Systems Octagonal Tumuli and Tumuli with Murals

The Nakaoyama Burial Mound is a rare, three-tiered octagonal tumulus located immediately north of the Takamatsuzuka Burial Mound. It is highly regarded for its sophisticated construction and is widely recognized as a tomb designed specifically to house cremated remains.

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Kitora Burial Mound

Kitora Burial Mound
所在地
243 Abeyama, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Tombs and Burial Mounds: Changes in Burial Systems under the Ritsuryo System
形成過程
Transition and Development of New Burial Systems Octagonal Tumuli and Tumuli with Murals

The Kitora Burial Mound is one of Asuka’s most significant cultural assets, rivaling the Takamatsuzuka Burial Mound in importance. Since the discovery of its murals in 1983, subsequent research has revealed an extraordinarily precise astronomical chart and depictions of the Shishin (Four Deities). Due to its immense academic value, it was designated as a Special Historic Site in 2000. In 2016, the surrounding area was officially opened to the public as the "Kitora Burial Mound Area," the fifth district of the Asuka Historical National Government Park. This followed a 2001 government decision to preserve and develop the site as a national park, ensuring the protection of this historic treasure for future generations.

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Takamatsuzuka Burial Mound

Takamatsuzuka Burial Mound
所在地
444 Hirata, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara
価値
Tombs and Burial Mounds: Changes in Burial Systems under the Ritsuryo System
形成過程
Transition and Development of New Burial Systems Octagonal Tumuli and Tumuli with Murals

The Takamatsuzuka Burial Mound gained worldwide fame in 1972 with the discovery of its vivid, National Treasure-grade murals. Located in the Hinokuma area southwest of Asuka, near the tomb of Emperor Monmu, the tomb is believed to belong to a person of exceptionally high noble or royal rank. While the original murals are currently undergoing restoration and are closed to public viewing, the adjacent Takamatsuzuka Mural Museum offers visitors a chance to see precise, full-scale replicas and a reconstruction of the stone chamber.

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What is “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.

Three Reasons for the World Heritage Nomination

1.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.

2.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.

3.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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Story.11.World Heritage "Asuka-Fujiwara": Kashihara Sites Tour

World Heritage "Asuka-Fujiwara": Kashihara Sites Tour～Journey through the Primordial Landscape of Japan’s Birth: Tracing the Splendor and Spiritual Legacy of Fujiwara-kyo ～

Established 1,300 years ago, Fujiwara-kyo Palace Site was Japan’s first capital modeled after the grand grid-plan cities of ancient China.

This historical exploration route leads you through the heart of the empire: from the expansive Fujiwarakyo Palace Site to Daikandai-ji Temple Site, once the premier state temple, and Moto Yakushi-ji Temple Site, where Emperor Tenmu offered profound prayers for his wife’s recovery. The journey also unveils the Shobuike Tumulus, home to an elegant stone sarcophagus.

Set against the elegant ridges of the Three Mountains of Yamato (Yamato Sanzan), this route offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the very "beginning" of Japan as a unified nation.

Suggested Routes
Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station → Fujiwara Palace Site → Daikandai-ji Temple Site → Moto-Yakushi-ji Temple Site → Shobuike Tumulus → Kintetsu Kashihara-jingu-mae Station
Duration
Approx. 3 hours
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Story.22.Yamato Sanzan Walking Tour

Yamato Sanzan Walking Tour～ The Manyo Triangle Walk: Immerse Your Senses in Japan’s Timeless Heritage ～

This walking tour takes you to the summits of the celebrated Three Mountains of Yamato—immortalized in the Manyoshu poetry anthology—before concluding at the sacred Kashihara Jingu Shrine, the birthplace of the Japanese nation.

As you walk, you will relive the poetic world of Prince Naka-no-Oe, retracing the very landscapes that inspired his famous verses of longing and rivalry among the three peaks.

With breathtaking panoramas, pristine mountain air, and a profound connection to the depths of history, this journey offers a holistic experience that nourishes both mind and body.

Suggested Routes
Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station → Mt. Miminashi → Mt. Ama-no-kagu → Mt. Unebi → Kashihara Jingu Shrine → Kintetsu Kashihara-jingu-mae Station
Duration
Approx. 6 hours
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Nara’s Global Heritage: Other UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Temple Area

Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Temple Area

The "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Temple Area" comprise a collection of historic wooden structures at Horyu-ji and Hokki-ji temples. In 1993, they were honored as Japan’s very first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites, alongside Himeji Castle. Horyu-ji Temple is said to have been founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku. Its Western Precinct—featuring the Main Hall, the Five-Storied Pagoda, the Central Gate, and the Cloisters—stands as the oldest surviving wooden architecture in the world, dating back to the late 7th and early 8th centuries. Nearby, the 7th-century Hokki-ji Temple preserves a magnificent three-storied pagoda that still inspires awe today. As masterpieces of early Buddhist architecture introduced from the Asian mainland via the Korean Peninsula, these structures vividly illustrate the birth and evolution of a uniquely Japanese architectural aesthetic.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

The "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" comprise eight distinct assets: Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kasugayama Primeval Forest, Gango-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, Toshodai-ji Temple, and the Heijo Palace Site. The dawn of the Nara Period began in 710 AD with the relocation of the capital to Heijo-kyo. Modeled after the grand Tang Dynasty capital of Chang'an, this city became the epicenter where Japanese culture flourished through vibrant exchanges with mainland China and the Korean Peninsula. At its heart stood the Heijo Palace, surrounded by a magnificent ring of temples and shrines. This World Heritage site encompasses majestic religious architecture, the sacred cultural landscape of the Kasugayama Primeval Forest rooted in Shinto tradition, and the invaluable archaeological remains of the palace. Together, they vividly encapsulate the religious and social life of 8th-century Japan—a pivotal era of profound political and cultural transformation. Most remarkably, these traditions remain a "living heritage," continuing to breathe within the daily lives of the people today.

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

The "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" is a vast World Heritage site spanning Nara, Mie, and Wakayama Prefectures. It encompasses three sacred areas—Yoshino-Omine, Mt. Kumano Sanzan, and Mt. Koya—and the ancient pilgrimage paths that connect them. Within Nara Prefecture lie the sacred sites of Yoshino-Omine, along with the Omine Okugakudo and Kohechi (Kumano Kodo) routes. The Kii Mountains are defined by deep forests and rugged, soaring peaks that meet the southern sea. This dramatic landscape served as the fertile ground for a unique fusion between indigenous Japanese nature worship and imported Buddhism, fostering diverse forms of faith. At the northernmost tip of this mountain range, the Yoshino-Omine area includes Yoshino-yama, Yoshino Mikumari-jinja Shrine, Kinpu-jinja Shrine, Kinpusen-ji Temple, Yoshimizu-jinja Shrine, and Ominesan-ji Temple. Since the mid-10th century, these hallowed peaks, rising over 1,000 meters, have been revered as Japan’s preeminent sacred ground for Shugendo (mountain asceticism). Recognized as a profound "Cultural Landscape" where nature and human faith are inextricably linked, this living tradition continues to be passed down from antiquity to the present day.

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