The Asuka-Fujiwara: Archaeological Sites of Japan’s Ancient Capitals and Related Properties in Nara Prefecture officially joined the UNESCO World Heritage List, honoring one of the country’s most historically significant cultural landscapes and introducing travelers to the birthplace of the Japanese nation.
© Shoko Takayasu
The site lies in Asuka Village, at the northern gateway to the Kii Peninsula. Here, travelers will discover the archaeological remains of Japan’s earliest imperial capitals, where the foundations of Japan’s centralized government, Buddhism and cultural identity was established more than 1,400 years ago.
Asuka Village was previously recognized as one of the United Nations Best Tourism Villages, where visitors could walk through ancient tombs, temple ruins, rural villages and centuries-old agricultural landscapes, all offering an immersive journey through Japan’s origins.
© Shoko Takayasu
Beyond Asuka, Kii Peninsula is also home to the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, sacred shrines, restorative hot springs, vibrant seasonal festivals and dramatic coastlines. The region continues to adapt to its growing popularity by offering an expanding collection of accommodations, guided cultural experiences, cycling routes, archaeological tours and regional itineraries connecting Asuka with the area’s broader attractions.
In 2027, Asuka will also welcome 35-room HOSHINOYA Asuka, a new hotel that will serve as an ideal home base for exploring the region.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Sep 7, 2026Crowne Plaza Opens New Flagship Hotel in the Heart of Manhattan
A new hotel is on the radar for Midtown Manhattan, marking an important milestone.
Sponsored Content
The Province That Surrounds Seoul — And Outshines It
Skip the Seoul Crowds. The Real Korea is in Gyeonggi.
Caribbean
Sep 4, 2026Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, an Adults-Only All-Inclusive Experience, Debuts in the Dominican Republic
Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently announced the opening of Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, marking the debut of the brand in the Dominican Republic. The adults-only, all-inclusive resort brings an experience-driven approach to hospitality to Punta Cana with immersive wellness programming, thoughtfully curated culinary experiences and authentic cultural connections.
North America
Sep 4, 2026Texas Resort Debuts “Hill Country Play Your Way” Experience
Premier Texas Hill Country resort Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Villas recently introduced a new travel incentive: Hill Country Play Your Way invites travelers to create their dream vacation. Guests who book the deal also receive a $600 resort credit to use throughout their vacation.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Hotel
Sep 3, 2026Kixby Hotel Debuts Silent Retreat Offer
More and more people seek ways to disconnect and get offline, and truly unplugging feels like a luxury in today’s day and age. Burnout and screen fatigue helped fuel the silent travel trend, where travelers seek moments of stillness, even in the world's busiest destinations. Aligned with the trend, Midtown Manhattan’s Kixby Hotel recently debuted its Silent Retreat stay experience to celebrate National New York Day on Sept. 21.
ShareThis