History of Asuka Village, Nara, a place of ancient romance and original Japanese landscape
Category: Sightseeing
Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, once flourished as the capital of Japan, and is home to many ancient tombs and historical sites, as well as a rich natural environment that can be considered the hometown of Japan. Here we introduce the history of Asuka Village as well as recommended sightseeing spots, souvenirs, and gourmet information in detail.
What is Asuka Village in Nara Prefecture?
Asuka Village, located in the north-central part of Nara Prefecture, is a small village with a population of about 5,000 and an area of 24.08㎢. However, it is a fascinating place filled with history that tells the story of Japan’s beginnings. It is also called “the hometown of Japan” for its beautiful rural scenery.
Specialty products include Asuka Ruby and Kotoka brand strawberries, mandarin oranges, persimmons and other fruits, fresh vegetables, Hinohikari rice produced in Asuka Village, and a wide variety of agricultural products.
In recent years, the number of cafes and lodging facilities renovated from old private homes has increased, making the village popular among people who want to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle.
History of Asuka Village
Now, an essential part of Asuka Village’s history is the Asuka Period (592-710). During this period, Asuka Village was the site of the capital of Japan and is known as “the place of the beginning of Japan” where the Japanese nation took shape. Let us take a closer look at the history of the Asuka Period.
Prince Shotoku was born, and an emperor-centered national development was promoted
Prince Shotoku is said to have been born in 574 at Tachibana Temple in Asuka Village. He is one of the most famous historical figures in Japanese history. In order to promote an emperor-centered nation building, Prince Shotoku established Japan’s first system of ranks, the “Twelve Level Cap and Rank System,” in 603, and Japan’s first constitution, the “Seventeen-Article Constitution,” in 604.
He is also said to have built many temples, including Shitennoji Temple (Tennoji Ward, Osaka City) and Horyuji Temple (Ikaruga Town, Nara Prefecture).
Prince Shotoku was a man who valued Buddhist teachings and aimed to create an equal and peaceful nation.
Asuka Palace Site, the stage of the Taika no Kaishin
After the death of Prince Shotoku, Nakanooeno-Oji (Prince Nakanooe, later. Emperor Tenji) and his close associate, Nakatomi no Kamatari overthrew the powerful Soga clan and brought about the “Taika-no-kaishin” (Taika Reform). This was the first full-scale political reform in Japan, and it strengthened the national system centering on the emperor.
The Asuka Palace Site in Asuka Village was the stage for this reform. As you can see, important events in Japan’s history took place in Asuka Village, which is also called “the place where Japan began.”
The historical climate is protected by the Asuka Law
In Asuka Village, a historically important place with many ancient tombs and historic sites, a law commonly known as the Asuka Law (a special law for ancient capital preservation law ) was enacted in 1980 (Showa 55). Under this law, the entire village was designated as a Historic Climate Preservation District.
It is surprising that Asuka Village is the only village in Japan where the historical climate is preserved over such a large area!
The specifics of the Asuka Law include strict restrictions mainly on architectural aspects, such as no buildings over three stories high and no commercial signs may be freely erected.
However, on the other hand, thanks to the Asuka Law, the original Japanese landscape has been preserved, and it is said that the beautiful satoyama landscape will remain for the next 100 years or more. from the perspective of the SDGs, it is wonderful that the village is being created in a sustainable manner!
Please come to Asuka Village and feel as if you have stepped back in time, as you will be able to see the original landscape of old Japan, which has been lost in the process of modernization.
Sights to visit in Asuka Village
Asukadera Temple
It is the representative temple of Asuka Village and was the first full-fledged Buddhist temple in Japan, built in 596 by Soga no Umako, a powerful man in the Asuka period. At that time, the temple was about 20 times larger than today’s Tokyo Dome!
The highlight of the temple is the Asuka Daibutsu, the oldest Buddhist statue in Japan, created in 609 by Kuratsukuri no Tori, a leading Buddhist priest of the time.
Ishibutai Kofun Tumulus
Located in the center of the Ishibutai area in the eastern part of the Asuka Historical National Government Park, this is one of the largest square mounds in Japan. It is a rare burial mound with no mound fill remaining at all, leaving the huge stone chamber exposed. It is called “Ishibutai” (stone stage) because the wide, flat top of the ceiling stone looks like a stage.
Although the person buried here is unknown, there is a theory that it is the tomb of Soga no Umako (grandfather of Soga no Iruka, who was destroyed in the Taika Reformation), a powerful man in the early 7th century.
Kitora Kofun Tumulus Mural Experience Hall, “Hall of the Four Gods”
The Kitora Kofun tumulus is a small round burial mound believed to have been built around the end of the 7th century to the beginning of the 8th century. Although the burial site is unknown, the murals painted inside the stone chamber of the burial mound are characterized by the depiction of the four gods, ancient gods and beasts, and a starry night scene said to be the oldest in the world.
The Kitora Kofun Tumulus Mural Experience Hall, “Hall of the Four Gods” is a hands-on facility where visitors can learn about the Kitora Tomb and the murals in an easy-to-understand manner.
Hours: 9:30-17:00 *Closes at 16:30 from December to February.
Closed: December 29-January 3, and the second Monday of April, July, November, and February (or the following day if the Monday is a national holiday)
*KitoraKofun Tumulus Mural Conservation Facility (1st floor) is closed every Wednesday.
Admission: Free
Inabuchi Tanada Terraced Rice Fields
It is a superb scenic spot, selected as one of the 100 best terraced rice paddies in Japan and registered as a scenic asset of Nara Prefecture. The area is said to have been cultivated between the Heian period (794-1185) and the Muromachi period (1336-1573), and offers a beautiful, old-fashioned Japanese farm landscape, not to mention the beauty of golden ears of rice before the rice harvest in October, and the bright red higanbana (cluster amaryllis) in late September and early October.
Recommended souvenirs in Asuka Village
Kofun and Haniwa Goods
Asuka Village’s ancient culture is symbolized by its ancient Kofun (tombs) and haniwa (clay figurines) goods, which are popular as unique souvenirs. Haniwa (clay figurines) are clay pottery that were lined up in ancient tombs, and their cute forms and rich expressions are attractive. Dogu clay figurines (human-shaped pottery made in the Jomon Period ‐10,000 BCE–300 BCE‐) are also available, giving them a somewhat familiar feel.
A wide variety of goods are available, such as haniwa straps, stamps, and towels with motifs of ancient tombs, so be sure to find your favorite.
Asuka Ancient Rice (Black Rice)
Ancient rice is a native variety of rice said to have been introduced to Japan more than 2,000 years ago. It is said to be the root of white rice, the staple food of Japan. It is also called black rice, red rice, or green rice, depending on the pigment in the bran. Compared to white rice, it is rich in minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber, and is attracting attention for its health and beauty benefits!
Asuka Ancient Rice is produced in Asuka Village, grown in the soil of Asuka, which is rich in nature, and in the spring water of the Asuka River. Simply mix it with your regular white rice and cook to enjoy its colorful hues and unique texture.
Kitora soy sauce
This soy sauce is made by Tokuboshi Soy Sauce Brewery, a long-established soy sauce shop in Asuka Village that has been in business for over 100 years, and is based on the mural paintings of the Kitora Tomb. As introduced in the “Sights to visit in Asuka Village,” the Kitora Kofun Tomb has murals of the four gods (Suzaku, Seiryu, Byakko, and Genbu), which are spirit animals that appear in Chinese mythology.
This set of soy sauce is packaged with the murals of the four gods and their names, and is designed to match the flavor of dishes such as rice with egg, sashimi, and meat. The set also includes a tenugui (hand towel) with the pattern of the four gods of Kitora Kofun, which is sure to make a great souvenir!
Recommended Gourmet
Strawberry (Asuka Ruby)
Asuka Ruby, a brand of strawberries, is one of Asuka Village’s specialties. They are large, brightly colored, and have a juicy flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. As Asuka Ruby is also known as the “phantom strawberry” because it is rarely sold outside of Nara Prefecture. You can enjoy picking strawberries from January to May at a farm in Asuka Village, and of course eat them as they are, but the parfaits and pancakes served at the cafes in the village are also exquisite.
Asuka Nabe (hotpot)
Chicken and vegetables stewed in milk and broth is a local dish of Asuka Village. Milk is said to have been introduced to Nara from Tang China during the Asuka period (592-710), and at that time it was the drink of the nobility. Monks eventually began to drink it in secret, and the origin of Asuka nabe is said to be a milk nabe in which the meat of the chickens they kept was boiled in milk and eaten.
The soup is characterized by a rich broth based on chicken stock in which white miso (soybean paste) is dissolved, and milk is added. Add your favorite seasonal vegetables and chicken meat, and enjoy udon noodles at the end. It is a perfect dish for cold winters.
Recommended Shops & Cafes
Asuka Stand
Asuka Stand, which opened in October 2023, is a renovated facility of the Okamoto Residence, which used to be a rice-polishing business in the Edo period. The Youth Department of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry took the lead in creating a well-designed space, which won the Grand Prize (Governor’s Award) in the “Design Award for Creating a Place”. It features a sophisticated space with the warmth of wood.
Here, visitors can purchase souvenirs unique to Asuka Village, such as ancient Kofun (tomb) and haniwa (clay tile tomb) goods and ancient rice, as introduced in Asuka Village Souvenirs.
There is also a take-out space where you can take out Asuka Stand’s original dorayaki and coffee. The dorayaki are made with Nara rice flour and Nara’s famous Kudzu starch (Arrowroot Flour), and are characterized by their mochi (sticky) texture. You can enjoy seasonal flavors such as strawberry and chestnut.
Address: 7 Oka, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara, 634-0111, Japan
Open: Monday-Friday 13:00~ Saturday-Sunday 11:00~17:00(l.o.16:00)
Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Official website: https://asukastand.com/
café Kotodama
Renovated from a 200-year-old former sake brewery, “café Kotodama” is a cafe that offers a warm and welcoming space while retaining the atmosphere of an old private house. At lunch time, you can enjoy simple yet carefully prepared dishes that make the most of fresh vegetables and ingredients that are purchased every morning. At teatime, enjoy seasonal sweets and drinks. It is a popular eatery in Asuka Village where you can spend a relaxing time in a calm space.
Address: 1223 Oka, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara, 634-0111, Japan
Open: 10:00 – 16:30 (17:00 on weekends and holidays)
Lunch: 11:00 – 13:30
Coffee: 2:00 p.m. – LO 30 minutes before closing
Closed: Tuesdays and the third Wednesday of the month
Official website: https://www.cafe-kotodama.com/
La ville ～miyako～
A Western-style cafe where you can enjoy creative cuisine prepared by the young female owner. The main ingredients are produced in Nara Prefecture, and the owner insists on using additive-free ingredients and homemade products. A recommended item on the run menu is the roast beef rice bowl made with carefully selected Japanese beef. It is superbly flavored with plenty of vegetables.
Address: 1156 Oka, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara, 634-0111, Japan
Open: OPEN 11:00, CLOSE 17:00 (L.o. 16:30)
Closed: Thursday, 2nd.4th Wednesday
Official website: https://www.laville-miyako.com/
For those who want to fully experience Japaneseness, Asuka Village is the place to go!
Boasting a history of approximately 1,300 years, Asuka Village is dotted with ancient tombs and historic sites, and is surrounded by peaceful nature. Here, visitors can not only feel the breath of ancient history, but also enjoy delicious local produce such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and ancient rice.
In addition, stylish old-fashioned house cafes and charming stores offer visitors a relaxing experience. We hope you will visit Asuka Village and enjoy a relaxing time while experiencing the good old Japanese scenery.
You can also join a cycling tour led by a local guide to experience the charms of Asuka Village even more deeply. Why not take a trip to experience history and nature?
▼Check out this article about cycling tours
