Asuka Village

Until 694, the settlement of Asuka was the imperial capital. Located in Nara Prefecture near Osaka on Honshu Island. Now in the village, covering an area of 24 square meters. km, only 5.5 thousand people live. All village buildings, in accordance with the 1980 law, are recognized as a historical heritage.

At the village is located « Park of Megalitov Asuka ». It is famous for its structures of huge stone blocks – megalit. Patterns are carved on their surface. Scientists have not yet determined the purpose of stone structures. One of the assumptions of – is the ancient altars used hundreds of years ago.

The largest megalyte was called Masuda Iwafune. Its length is 11 m, width 8 m, height almost 5 m. 2.5 thousand years ago, the stone was carved manually from the granite rock and applied a pattern. How did you manage to do this – unsolved secret. It weighs a block of about 7 tons. Even today, with the help of modern equipment on such a strong granite, it is very difficult to leave at least a scratch. The local population is experiencing superstitious fear of the megalites. They not only do not touch them, but generally try to bypass. Tourists, on the contrary, are not afraid of anything – they are happy to take photos against the background of ancient relics.

Another interesting attraction – is the massive Takatori castle, towering a little far away.

In the vicinity of the village of Asuka, during archaeological excavations, funeral mounds were discovered, built in 350 BC. e. In the mounds found priceless ancient artifacts, according to which the date of burial was established. Asuka is first mentioned in ancient chronicles dating back to 485. It was the time of the reign of Emperor Kenzo. Over the next 250 years, 43 imperial palaces were built in the surrounding territories. Each new emperor built a new residence for himself. It was believed that the spirit of the deceased emperor remained in the palace, and could harm the new owner. Unfortunately, the palaces were practically not preserved, because at that time a tree was used for construction.

Kurgan Takamatsu-zuka found archaeologists in 1972. Estimated burial date – end of the VII century. During excavations, well-preserved unique wall paintings were discovered.

In the mound, Isibutai is buried by S. Umako – an influential politician of that distant time. When excavating, the embankment was removed from the ground. Now tourists have the opportunity to consider the mausoleum of stone not only from the outside, but also from the inside.

The main attraction – Asuka-dera Temple. One of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country. Construction Date – 593. The temple has an invaluable relic – a bronze Buddha statue made in 606.

Sights in Asuka are at an impressive distance from each other, so tourists and travelers are better off using the car to inspect them.