World Heritage Identification Number: 1757
World Heritage since: 2026
Category: Cultural Heritage
WHE Type: Historic Cities & Urban Areas
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇯🇵 Japan
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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The Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara: A Window into Early Japanese History
The Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara, located in the southern part of the Nara Basin, represent a significant chapter in the history of Japan. These two ancient capitals, which served as the political and cultural centers of the Japanese archipelago during the late sixth to early eighth centuries, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2026. Comprising nineteen component parts, including palaces/government offices, Buddhist temples, and mounded tombs, these sites offer a unique glimpse into the establishment of a centralized state system modeled after the Chinese codified law known as ritsuryō.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Located in the southern part of the Nara Basin, Asuka and Fujiwara were the two ancient capitals of the Japanese archipelago that marked the establishment of a centralised state system modelled after the Chinese codified law known as ritsuryō. Nineteen component parts, comprising palaces/government offices, Buddhist temples and mounded tombs, contain archaeological evidence of the Asuka Capital (588-694 CE) and the Fujiwara Capital (694-710 CE). The Asuka capital was established at the site of the Asuka-dera Temple, the first Buddhist temple in Japan. Together, the sites illustrate the introduction and consolidation of key elements of early centralized governance and influenced the later Japanese capitals of Nara and Kyoto.UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (ii): The layout, design, technology, and planning of the palace/government office sites, Buddhist temple sites and mounded tombs of the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara represent an important interchange of human values with contemporary power centres in China and the Korean Peninsula, and the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. These early capitals exerted profound influences on the construction and evolution of capitals on the Japanese archipelago from the 8th century onwards.
Criterion (iii): The sites associated with the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara form an important testimony to the cultural tradition of the formative processes of ancient capitals in East Asia based on centralised state systems through their locations, spatial layout and relationships and composition.
Encyclopedia Record: Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara
Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara is a cluster of nineteen archaeological sites from in and around the late sixth- to early eighth-century capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. In 2026, the serial nomination was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under criteria ii and iii.Additional Site Details
Area: 137.99 hectares
Number of Components: 19
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
Coordinates: 34.4719444445 , 135.820277778
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© Asuka Village (Cultural Property Division, Office of Board of Education). Used with permission.
World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
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Building Layout Inside Rural House Compounds in Special Preservation Areas for Historic Landscape: The Case of Six Village Sections Such as Okuyama , Asuka , Kawahara , Noguchi , Oka and Shimasho in Asuka Village
Research on rural house compounds in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, reveals that dominant building layout patterns adhere to traditional Japanese auspicious principles regarding position and orientation. The study analyzed six village sections—Okuyama, Kawahara, Noguchi, Asuka, Oka, and Shimasho—classified into three groups based on their street layouts: clustered villages, east-west axis street villages, and north-south axis street villages. A hypothetical model was developed to assess the development patterns of main buildings, extensions (tsunoya), and outbuildings (huzokuya, hanare). Field research confirmed that these patterns align with historical Japanese beliefs about the auspiciousness of a house's location and direction.
Yamamoto, N., Hirao, K., & Miyauchi, A. (2026). Building Layout Inside Rural House Compounds in Special Preservation Areas for Historic Landscape: The Case of Six Village Sections Such as Okuyama , Asuka , Kawahara , Noguchi , Oka and Shimasho in Asuka Village. Japan Architectural Review, 9(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/2475-8876.70074
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Rethinking Asuka Sculpture
A groundbreaking re-evaluation of Asuka sculpture challenges the long-held belief that Japanese Buddhist art lagged behind Chinese counterparts by a century. By proposing new dating for iconic statues, such as the Hōryūji Kondō Shaka Triad, this study reshapes our understanding of early East Asian artistic exchange and the development of Buddhism in Japan. The revised chronology highlights local processes and uncovers previously unknown historical details, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in East Asian history.
Wu, H. (2024). Rethinking Asuka Sculpture. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004701922
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Analyzing the Characteristics of Buddhist Art in Japans Asuka Period: A Case Study of Horyu-ji Temple
Buddhist art from Japan's Asuka period (6th century AD) reflects profound Chinese cultural influences, blending Northern and Southern Dynasty styles with Western Regional elements. Horyu-ji Temple exemplifies this fusion, showcasing classical charm and exquisite craftsmanship that shaped Japanese artistic aesthetics. The study analyzes its architecture, Buddha sculptures, and paintings to highlight how Chinese artistry established dominance in Japan's cultural development during this era.
Chen, K., & Xu, J. (2023). Analyzing the Characteristics of Buddhist Art in Japans Asuka Period: A Case Study of Horyu-ji Temple. Communications in Humanities Research, 20(1), 76–80. https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7064/20/20231294
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Research on the Development Plan and the Method of Heritage Preservation and Utilisation in Asuka Village
Asuka Village, recognized as the cradle of Japan's statehood, has established a pioneering model for heritage preservation and utilization through its 'Traditional Scenic Beauty Preservation Plan' and 'Development Plan.' Over 40 years, these plans have guided the village's growth while safeguarding its historical resources. This study reveals that Asuka Village's approach balances preservation with development by analyzing changes in its Development Plan and examining three heritage improvement projects. It identifies evolving concerns and methods in heritage management, offering insights into how ancient villages can be preserved for future generations through strategic planning.
Jiang, N., & Uekita, Y. (2022). Research on the Development Plan and the Method of Heritage Preservation and Utilisation in Asuka Village. Asian Culture and History, 14(1), 76. https://doi.org/10.5539/ach.v14n1p76
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Regeneration of Underused Natural Resources by Collaboration Between Urban and Rural Residents: A Case Study in Fujiwara District, Japan
A collaborative effort between urban and rural residents successfully regenerated underused semi-natural grasslands, known as Uenohara, in Japan's Fujiwara District. Once a vital local commons providing resources like thatch, fertilizer, and forage, the area fell into disuse due to social changes, leading to vegetation succession and biodiversity decline. The regeneration initiative, involving traditional practices such as thatch cropping and controlled burning, highlighted three key factors for addressing underused natural resources: active management for use, the intrinsic value of place ('placeness'), and the preservation of traditional knowledge. This case study demonstrates how diversified participation, role-sharing governance, and shifting benefits can restore ecological and cultural value to degraded landscapes.
Hirahara, S. (2020). Regeneration of Underused Natural Resources by Collaboration Between Urban and Rural Residents: A Case Study in Fujiwara District, Japan. International Journal of the Commons, 14(1), 173–190. https://doi.org/10.5334/ijc.977
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The Chronicle of Jōe – A Translation of the Second Part of the History of the Fujiwara House
A translation of the second part of The Chronicle of Jōe, a historical record of the Fujiwara House, reveals new insights into the political and social dynamics of the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara during Japan's Heian period. The study provides a detailed linguistic analysis of the text, offering fresh perspectives on the Fujiwara clan's influence and governance. By examining the chronicle's structure, language, and historical context, researchers uncover nuanced relationships between power, lineage, and cultural heritage, contributing to our understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's significance in Japanese history.
Bauer, M. P. J. (2018). The Chronicle of Jōe – A Translation of the Second Part of the History of the Fujiwara House. Asiatische Studien - Études Asiatiques, 72(1), 207–214. https://doi.org/10.1515/asia-2017-0084
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The Garden Ponds of Baekje and Asuka
A comparative analysis of garden ponds from the ancient kingdoms of Baekje (Korea) and Asuka (Japan) reveals striking technical and design similarities, suggesting significant cultural exchange. Both regions employed a linear rectangular form as the basic pond structure and utilized vertical construction techniques. However, differences emerged in material use: Baekje's ponds featured diverse stone types for shores and soil floors enabling lotus cultivation, while Asuka's used rounded river stones and paved floors, precluding plant growth. Ornamental stones were used in Baekje's landscaping, whereas Asuka incorporated manmade islands and water intake facilities. The study highlights Baekje's influence on Asuka's garden pond construction, demonstrating a refined technical unity in Asuka's designs.
Baik, J. S., & Kim, J. S. (2018). The Garden Ponds of Baekje and Asuka. Journal of Environmental Science International, 27(2), 123–133. https://doi.org/10.5322/jesi.2018.27.2.123
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