Asuka Village in Nara Prefecture is located in the southeastern part of the Nara Basin (Yamato Plain), and is a small village with a population of approximately 5,400 people and an area of 24.08 km2, but it is a
place that you should visit at least once as it has an original Japanese landscape and many historical heritage sites. It is attracting attention as a village to visit.
And since it is the only village in Japan whose entire area is subject to historical landscape preservation under the Ancient Capital Preservation Law, you can enjoy a beautiful landscape where history and nature are fused, carefully protected by law. The charm of Asuka Village is that you will feel as if you have traveled back in time.
Asuka Ruby, a brand of strawberries from Nara Prefecture that is irresistible to sweets lovers, is very famous, and “Strawberry Picking”, where you can eat your fill of strawberries while picking them, is also very popular. The “Strawberry Fair”, which has become a regular
event over the past few years, is also held for a limited time, and you can enjoy strawberry sweets that have been thoughtfully prepared by each store.
In addition, “Hinohikari” rice and red, black, and green ancient rice are also famous, and seasonal agricultural products such as blueberries, citrus fruits, and fresh vegetables are always available at the direct sales store throughout the year. You can also check out the souvenirs made from these products at various locations in the village!
Asuka Village is all about history! Nature! There are so many things to see in one visit, such as Inabuchi Rice Terraces, one of Japan’s top 100 rice terraces, temples and shrines, historical sites, mysterious stone structures, and actual spots that appear in the Manyoshu.
Guided cycling tours have been created as an activity that allows you to experience Asuka Village. You can see completely different scenery
depending on the four seasons, so please come and see Asuka in spring, summer, fall and winter.
The symbol of Asuka Village is the Ishibutai Tumulus. It is believed that Soga Umako, who was a member of a powerful family at the time, was buried here. There are also other stone structures scattered around with distinctive shapes.
“Asuka-dera” is famous for Japan’s oldest Buddhist statue, “Tachibana-dera” is said to be the birthplace of Prince Shotoku, and “Oka-dera” is home to Japan’s largest clay statue (Buddha statue made of clay) and is home to Japan’s three great Buddha statues. These are all valuable, precious, and important cultural properties. When you actually visit, you will be moved and your heart will be cleansed.