Asuka

Overview

Asuka was the Imperial capital of Japan during the Asuka period, a general term for the site of imperial palaces and related facilities believed to have stood in ancient Asuka, Takaichi District, Yamato Province, corresponding to present-day Asuka village, Nara Prefecture.

Highlights

• ●A general term for the ruins of imperial palaces and related facilities
• ●Gave its name to the Asuka period
• ●Not a planned city following the grid system used later at Fujiwara-kyo
• ●Corresponds to present-day Asuka village, Nara Prefecture

History

Unlike the later capital of Fujiwara-kyo, Asuka was not built as a planned grid city; the term is said to have been coined by a prewar historian. Throughout the Asuka period, imperial palaces and their related facilities were located in this area.

Map

34.4822, 135.8131 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Arrive in present-day Asuka village, the site of the ancient capital
2. 2Visit the ruins believed to be the imperial palace sites
3. 3Learn about the urban planning of the Asuka period
4. 4Explore the surrounding historic sites to trace the region's ancient history

Did you know?

💡 The Asuka period takes its name directly from this historic site.

Nearby spots