(Asuka Historical National Government Park)
Famous for the mural of the world’s oldest astronomical map, do not miss the Kitora Tumulus Mural Experiential Museum Shijin no Yakata, where you can learn about tumuli and murals.
Address: 67 Abeyama
Hours: 9:30–17:00 (Closes at 16:30 from December to February)
Closed: Year-end and New Year
TEL: 0744-54-5105
Fee: Free of charge
(Sake Trough Stone)
A mysterious stone structure surrounded by a bamboo grove. There is a theory that the carved dents and grooves were used in the production of sake. Sakafuneishi appears in the famous comic The Three-Eyed One by Osamu Tezuka.
Address: Oka
(Denasukaitabuki-no-miya Palace Site)
seventh century where visitors can view a part of the restored architectural remains. The Isshi Incident, believed to be the first coup d’état in Japan, occurred in this place.
Address: Oka
An open-air tea ceremony is held at the Oka-dera Temple on the anniversary of the temple foundation in October. The first 1,000 visitors are served matcha tea for free.
Kameishi (Tortoise Stone)
stone structures established in Asuka Village; do not miss the lovely face of the tortoise carved into the granite!
Address: 108 Kawahara
This ritual event is held on the first Sunday of April to commemorate the ancient trials where suspects were judged by putting their hands into boiling water. It was believed that innocent people would not burn, and liars would be scalded.
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
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: 439
Hirata
Hours: 9:00–17:00
TEL: 0744-54-3340
Fee: 250 yen
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.
Said to be the birthplace of Umayadonooji/Prince Shotoku Taishi, this is one of the 7 temples built by him.
We know that it was built in 680 through fire records. There is also a stone which possesses two faces–one good and one evil.