Asuka Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Kofuku-Ji temple

Kofuku-ji Temple is actually a complex of Budist temples and pagodas. It's an exact replica of the original pagoda that Empress Komyo built here in AD 730, which burned to the ground. It is one of the most important religious and historical building in Nara nowadays. It is so convenient that this site was walking distance from the metro station, and also it is close to other places of interest. The huge pagoda will be easy to spot from a distance. The recommended sightseeing time is between one to two hours. The price of admission is quite cheap, I totally recommend this place to visit with your friends or even children. Entrance fee is not expensive at all and it is good value for the money. Totally worthy. #createwithtrip #japan #holidays #exploring #createwithtrip

Kofuku-ji 🙏

#fallingseason #localescapes #timetotravel Situated at the edge of Nara Park, it is the ninth stop on the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage and one of the few with an octagonal hall. The hall's Fukukensaku Kannon and other treasures are shown only once a year on October 17. First constructed in 813, Nanendo was originally one among many of the buildings at Kofukuji, the tutelary temple of the Fujiwara clan. Originally, Kofuku-ji wasn’t even in Nara at all! The original location of the temple was in Otsu, Shiga during the Asuka Period under the name Yamanashi Temple. During this time, Otsu was the capital of Japan during the reign of Emperor Tenji. He ordered the temple built in the hopes of curing Nakatomi no Kamatari. In the years that followed, the capital, as well as Yamashina Temple, moved back and forth between Asuka and several other places. Finally, the capital settled in Nara, and Fujiwara no Fuhito put the temple in its current location and renamed it Kofuku-ji. The temples was basically the private temple of the Fujiwara clan, and had strong ties with Kasuga Taisha, which is right next to Kofuku-ji.

Ishibutai kofun is the most impressive of the ancient stone monuments and the only megalithic tomb where the earthen mound is gone and you can see and even allowed to enter the burial chamber, which once enshrined a coffin. Designated as a Special Historic Site, it is the country's largest flat-topped burial mound. The tomb are surrounded by thousands of cherry trees which I guest perfect for cherry blossoms viewing during spring season, but unfortunately, it was not the season during my visit. Ishibutai kofun is a short distance east of the Asuka rail station. Buses run every hour between the site and the square in front of the station. A very good experience to explore its ancient mysteries. #givethanks #givethanks

Sakura of Ishibutai Tomb

#cherryblossom2024 The tomb of a noble man Visit one of the largest stone tombs in Japan and discover its ancient secrets. Look at how wonderfully cherry blossoms bloom around giant stones in spring, how beautiful the winter snows are. It is said that the leader of a powerful clan, Soga no Umako, was buried here. He was an associate of Prince Setoku and helped spread Buddhism in Japan. Recommended Go inside the tomb and feel its greatness Admire the beauty of the surrounding nature It is interesting It is assumed that the tomb was built in the VI century for the powerful Soga family The ceiling stones weigh about 140 tons How to get there The Ishibutai Tomb is located near the Okadera and Asuka railway stations. You can rent a bike at the stations to explore the surrounding area and see more interesting things. Ishibutai Tomb and The Stone Stage The huge stones of the Ishibutai tomb remind of the incredible power of the Soga clan in the VI century. The tomb is sometimes called the "stone stage" because of the stone set on top. The huge slab looks as if a ghostly performance is about to begin on it. Cherry blossoms near the tomb of Ishibutai contributes to the mysterious atmosphere a lot Enduring beauty The surroundings of the tomb are worth coming here in themselves. Cherry blossoms in spring, amazing spider lily inflorescences in autumn, sparkling snow covering huge stones — Ishibutai is beautiful at any time of the year. Appreciate the combination of the greatness of history and the beauty of nature.

Kansai Travel|Nara Japan's earliest temple: Asuka Temple

|Nara Japan's earliest temple: Asuka Temple. Asuka is 'Asuka' is 'Asuka' Nara Prefecture's Kashihara City Asuka is 1400 years ago, equivalent to China's Northern and Southern Dynasties and Sui and Tang Dynasties, when Japan fully learned Sui and Tang culture, the capital of the 'Asuka era', and also the first stop of Buddhism's eastward journey, the earliest temple, earlier than Kyoto and Nara. Now this place does not have the hustle and bustle of the past, only rural fields, Asuka Temple later moved to Nara as 'Gangoji Temple', this place is the original site, retaining Japan's earliest seventh-century Buddha statue, after several burnings, only the face and hands are original. There are also many ruins in the village: Asuka Ruins, 'Tachibana Temple', 'Hirofuku Temple', Imperial Mausoleum, Observation Deck, etc.