Officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2026, the Asuka & Fujiwara Palaces and Related Sites preserve one of the world's most important cultural landscapes. Here, between the late 6th and early 8th centuries, Japan transformed from a collection of regional powers into its first centralized nation.

This full-day heritage tour explores 12 of the 19 component sites that make up the World Heritage property, allowing you to experience the remarkable places where Japan's political system, Buddhist culture, architecture, and artistic traditions first flourished.

Walk through the remains of Asuka Palace, where emperors governed the early Japanese state. Visit the mysterious Sakafuneishi Ritual Site, the elegant Asuka Palace Garden, and the historic temples of Asuka-dera and Tachibana-dera, where the story of Japanese Buddhism began.

Continue your journey through some of Japan's most extraordinary ancient burial monuments. From the massive Ishibutai Mounded Tomb to the imperial mausoleum of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō, as well as Kengoshizuka, Nakaoyama, Kitora, and Takamatsuzuka, each site reveals another chapter in the political, religious, and artistic achievements of the Asuka period.

The museums at Kitora and Takamatsuzuka further enrich the experience with beautifully preserved wall paintings, archaeological discoveries, astronomical knowledge, and insights into royal life that have survived for more than 1,300 years.

More than a sightseeing tour, this is an opportunity to experience the newly recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the story of Japan's beginnings. By visiting 12 of its 19 component sites, you will gain a deeper understanding of how this remarkable landscape shaped the nation's government, religion, art, and cultural identity.

Whether you are passionate about archaeology, ancient history, Buddhism, or UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this tour offers one of the most rewarding historical experiences available anywhere in Japan.