News – Page 4 – Exploring ASUKA

Tachibanadera Temple

Said to be the birthplace of Umayadonooji/Prince Shotoku Taishi, this is one of the 7 temples built by him.
We know that it was built in 680 through fire records. There is also a stone which possesses two faces–one good and one evil.

Entrance fee: 350 yen
Closed: Open all year, excluding cases of special circumstances
Open hours: 9：00~17：00

Asukadera Temple

Built from the end of the 6th century to the start of the 7th century with the prayer of Soga no Umako, it is Japan’s oldest full-fledged Buddhist Temple.
The copper Shakanyorai sedentary statue (Important Cultural Property) is the principle object of worship and is known by the popular name “Asuka Daibutsu”.

Entrance fee: 350 yen
Closed: April 7-April 9
Open hours: April 1 – September 30: 9：00~17：30; October 1-March 31: 9：00~17：00

Sakafuneishi Remains

This mysterious stonework is representative of Asuka.
The surface has been smoothed flat and on it are carved round , rounded-square, and elliptical depressions, all of which are connected by straight drains.
It is named as such due to it being said that it was used for alcohol production, but its actual use is still unknown.

Takamatuzuka Tumulus & Mural Museum

Adjacent to the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus, it reproduces all of the valuable wall paintings (National Treasures) including the richly colored “Asuka Bijin (Asuka Beauties)” from the time when wall paintings were originally discovered.
Monitors providing explanations in 3 languages.
You can enjoy an easy-to-understand overall introduction of the ancient tomb.

Entry Fee: 250 yen
Closed: December 29-January 3
Entry hours: 9：00~17：00

Ishibutai Tumulus

An ancient tomb which is representative of the Asuka path with the largest stone huts in Japan. Constructed at the start of the 7th century, the embankment of the grave mound was detached at an early stage and giant side-hole type stone huts were exposed. The rewere about 30 exposed stones with an estimated total weight of around 2300t. It was designated as Special Historic Site of Japan in 1952.

Entry Fee: 250 yen
Closed: Open all year (excluding cases of special circumstances)
Open hours: 8：30~17：00