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.
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