Nara > Asuka Mura (明日香村): The birthplace of Japanese civilization
※Description:
Asuka-mura (明日香村 or 飛鳥村), in Nara Prefecture, is a captivating destination for those looking to explore Japan’s ancient history in a peaceful environment without the hustle and bustle of large crowds. This town is known as the cradle of Japanese civilization, and its tranquil landscapes are home to remains and monuments from the Asuka period (552-710 AD), a key era in the country’s cultural and political development.
Exploring Asuka-mura (明日香村) is like stepping back in time, and the best way to do so is by bicycle. From Asuka Station, visitors can rent bikes and easily tour the major historical and natural sites, many of which are connected by well-maintained trails. Cycling past rice fields, ancient temples and mysterious burial mounds, you can visit landmarks such as Asuka-dera Temple (飛鳥寺), home to one of Japan’s oldest Buddha statues, and Ishibutai Tumulus (石舞台古墳), a stone structure believed to have been the tomb of a prominent leader of the time.
Another highlight is the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus (高松塚古墳), famous for its colourful murals inside, which reflect the life and beliefs of the aristocracy of the Asuka period. For a natural experience, visitors can stop by Manyo Park, which houses the Man’yo-bashira, a pillar inscribed with poems from the ancient Man’yoshu poetry collection, reflecting the cultural significance of this region. Asuka-mura also has many mysterious stones of unique shape, such as the kameishi turtle (亀石), which add an intriguing touch to the visit.
Enjoy Asuka-mura at a more leisurely pace
Although Asuka-mura (明日香村) can be visited in a single day, staying for one or two nights allows for a much more relaxed and complete experience. Staying at one of the ryokan or rural inns in the area allows visitors to immerse themselves in the traditional life of the region and explore all the points of interest at a leisurely pace. In addition, by staying overnight, one can experience the quiet, tourist-free nightlife in the village and wake up to the charm of the Japanese countryside. In the morning, the fresh air and the landscapes bathed in the soft light of dawn make this place a sight that is hard to forget.
Asuka-mura (明日香村) receives few tourists compared to Japan’s great historical destinations, making it an ideal place for those looking for a serene setting. Additionally, some local establishments offer guided tours and hands-on activities such as tea ceremonies or cooking workshops, providing a unique opportunity to gain insight into the daily life of this historic Japanese region.
※NTRanking: 9.0 / 10
Since it is far from the big cities, there are very few tourists.
This area is one of the important ones in the history of Japan, although it is not yet known outside of Japan.
If you have never been there, we recommend that you see it and enjoy it.
※How to Get There:
・From Nara (40 minutes):
Take the Kintetsu Line (近鉄) from Nara Station (奈良駅).
Get off at Asuka Station (飛鳥駅), a ride that takes approximately 40 minutes.
From Asuka Station, you can rent a bicycle to explore all the sights in the area.
・From Osaka (1 hour):
Take the Kintetsu Line (近鉄) from Nara Station (奈良駅). Osaka-Abenobashi (大阪阿部野橋駅).
Get off at Asuka Station (飛鳥駅) after about 1 hour.
Upon arrival in Asuka, you can rent a bicycle to comfortably explore all the historical and natural sites in the area.
※Address:
Koshi, Asuka, Takaichi, Nara 634-0138
