Asuka

Asuka is the cradle of Japanese civilization. It was in Asuka that saw rise to power of the Japanese Imperial family, beginning in the fourth century AD. The first emperor, Jimmu, may be buried in one of the many KOFUN (mound tombs) that dot the area. Asuka is rural and it is best seen by bicycle. You can drive but biking is probably best as many of the back roads are narrow, even for Japanese cars. It is a hilly area and biking is faster than foot travel. Some of the sites can only be accessed by foot or bike.


Asuka Historical Museum