UNESCO The World Heritage Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara with NABUNKEN

Asuka Historical Museum · Nara · –

Inscribed as World Heritage in 2026, the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara are the archaeological sites where, between the late sixth and early eighth centuries and through exchange with the Chinese mainland and the Korean peninsula, Japan's first capitals of an ancient state took shape. Nabunken has worked on about two thirds of the 19 component sites since its first full excavation, at Asuka-dera, in 1956. Through excavated objects, original field records and the latest research, the exhibition presents the sites' significance and more than 70 years of investigation, with finds from Asuka-dera, Kawara-dera, Yamada-dera, the Asuka palace, the Mizuochi water-clock site and the Takamatsuzuka and Kitora tumuli, among others, including a gilt-bronze flying celestial from the Hinokuma-dera site.

Exhibition information

Plan your visit

Opening hours
9:00–16:30 Last admission 16:00.
Closed
Mondays (open Oct 12 and Nov 23; closed Oct 13 and Nov 24 instead).
Closed during the exhibition
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Admission
  • Adult ¥350
  • University students ¥200
Reservation
No reservation. Free for high school students, under-18s and visitors aged 70 and over (proof of age), and for people with disabilities and one carer. Free for all on Nov 3.
Address
601 Okuyama, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara 634-0102

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