Asuka and Sakurai

What to know

The region around Asuka (飛鳥) and Sakurai (桜井) in Nara Prefecture, roughly 20 kilometers south of Nara City, is often called the cradle of Japanese civilization. Here, the first Japanese emperors established their capitals, and the area is dotted with the country's oldest shrines, temples, tombs, stone monuments, and archaeological sites.

Kyoto served as Japan's capital for over a thousand years (794–1868), and Nara was the first permanent capital (710–784). Before 710, the political center first lay near Sakurai and later around Asuka. During this period, influences from mainland Asia were strong, and Buddhism was introduced via the Korean peninsula. Today, the area also charms visitors with its peaceful rural landscapes.

Activities and attractions

Asukadera TempleConsidered Japan’s oldest Buddhist templeImaicho TownBeautifully preserved merchant townKashihara ShrineShrine dedicated to Japan’s first emperorArchaeological Institute of KashiharaArchaeology Museum near Kashihara ShrineComplex of Manyo CultureMuseum about the Manyo cultureIshibutai TombAncient tomb built of large stonesTakamatsuzuka TombAncient tomb featuring wall paintingsAsuka MuseumNational museum about the history of AsukaAmakashi HillOverlooking Asuka Town and the Yamato PlainHasedera TempleLarge temple complex on a hillside locationYamanobe-no-michi TrailAncient road through the countrysideMuroji TempleRemote temple surrounded by forestTanzan ShrineMountain shrine famous for autumn colorsOmiwa ShrineConsidered to be possibly Japan’s oldest shrine