We’re excited to introduce you to Asuka, a Japanese village with a rich history dating back to the country’s protohistoric period. Once upon a time, in the 6th-7th century, Asuka was the provisional capital of the Yamato kingdom before it permanently moved to Heijo-kyo in 710.

Today, Asuka is a thriving village with a population of 5620. Many residents have settled here seeking a higher quality of life, their homes nestled between urban areas and farmlands. The village continues to celebrate its glorious past and reveal it to the world, even aspiring to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024 under the title ‘Asuka-Fujiwara: Archaeological sites of Japan’s Ancient Capitals and Related Properties’.

It’s worth noting that Asuka has maintained its traditional urban structure despite modernization. Visitors can walk through streets that remain as they were during the Edo period (1600-1868), surrounded by a wealth of historical sites. This Edo-era atmosphere is truly a unique experience.