Asuka Palace Site

The Political Center

of Early Japan

Asuka Palace Site is an important archaeological site in Asuka Village, Nara, preserving the remains of palaces used in the 7th century during the Asuka period. Research has shown that the site includes the remains of several successive palaces, reflecting a time when political authority was becoming more established in one place rather than moving with each new ruler. The palace functioned not only as a residence, but also as a setting for official ceremonies and government affairs. Although little of the architecture survives above ground today, the site remains essential for understanding how the early Japanese state was organized. Asuka Palace Site is especially valuable when viewed alongside nearby temples, tombs, and other Asuka-period remains, because it helps place them within the wider political landscape of the ancient capital. For visitors, it offers a clear and historically grounded introduction to the governmental world of early Japan.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Asuka Palace Site to life.

Asuka Palace Site: A traditional Japanese wooden sign with Japanese text, surrounded by a small fence, on a tile and concrete walkway with greenery. In the background, there are fields, a few small buildings, trees, and a group of people walking on t
Asuka Palace Site: Two people walking across a grassy field on a sunny day with a blue sky and scattered clouds, green trees and small buildings in the background.
Asuka Palace Site: Ancient stone ruins in an open field with grassy surroundings and a small nearby village, under a partly cloudy sky.
Asuka Palace Site: Ruins of ancient stone structure with a square opening in the center, surrounded by a stone pavement, in a grassy open field with trees and hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Asuka Palace Site: Close-up view of ancient stone pavement with irregularly shaped dark stones and a narrow path in the center, surrounded by larger stones.
Asuka Palace Site: Ancient stone pathway in a grassy outdoor area with trees, buildings, and mountains in the background on a partly cloudy day.
Asuka Palace Site: Ancient cobblestone street with raised stone sidewalks on either side and a narrow path in the middle, with small patches of grass growing between the stones.
Asuka Palace Site: A pathway of large, dark rocks with some patches of grass growing in between, leading to a grassy area.
Asuka Palace Site: People walking along a narrow path through lush green fields with a small village and forested hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Asuka Palace Site: Ancient black stone ruins in a grassy open field under a blue sky with white clouds, small groups of people exploring, distant trees and traditional buildings.