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Asuka and Fujiwara: Cradles of Japan’s Nationhood Recognized as World Heritage Site

  • The Asuka Palace Site was the stage for the 645 Isshi Incident, which restored political authority from the powerful Soga clan to the emperor. (© 96Box)

    The Asuka Palace Site was the stage for the 645 Isshi Incident, which restored political authority from the powerful Soga clan to the emperor. (© 96Box)

  • The Asuka Water Clock Site contains the remains of Japan’s oldest water clock, built in 660. (© 96Box)

    The Asuka Water Clock Site contains the remains of Japan’s oldest water clock, built in 660. (© 96Box)

  • The Sakafuneishi Ritual Site features a large stone carved with enigmatic channels—once thought to have been used to brew sake. (© 96Box)

    The Sakafuneishi Ritual Site features a large stone carved with enigmatic channels—once thought to have been used to brew sake. (© 96Box)

  • A turtle-shaped stone, right, formed part of the water-control facility that fed spring water to the Sakafuneishi stone. (© 96Box)

    A turtle-shaped stone, right, formed part of the water-control facility that fed spring water to the Sakafuneishi stone. (© 96Box)

  • The horizontal stone chamber of the Ishibutai Mounded Tomb. (© 96Box)

    The horizontal stone chamber of the Ishibutai Mounded Tomb. (© 96Box)

  • The murals of the Takamatsuzuka Mounded Tomb (national treasure) are now preserved at a nearby conservation facility. (© 96Box)

    The murals of the Takamatsuzuka Mounded Tomb (national treasure) are now preserved at a nearby conservation facility. (© 96Box)

  • The Fujiwara Palace Site—the center of the roughly 5-kilometer-square capital. (© 96Box)

    The Fujiwara Palace Site—the center of the roughly 5-kilometer-square capital. (© 96Box)

  • The Motoyakushiji Temple Site, one of Fujiwarakyō’s state temples. (© 96Box)

    The Motoyakushiji Temple Site, one of Fujiwarakyō’s state temples. (© 96Box)

  • A late‑Heian stone pagoda (important cultural property) stands as a memorial to the site of Hinokumadera, a Buddhist temple built by a powerful migrant clan. (© 96Box)

    A late‑Heian stone pagoda (important cultural property) stands as a memorial to the site of Hinokumadera, a Buddhist temple built by a powerful migrant clan. (© 96Box)

  • The Kawaradera Temple Site once housed one of Japan’s state temples. (© 96Box)

    The Kawaradera Temple Site once housed one of Japan’s state temples. (© 96Box)

  • The Kengoshizuka Mounded Tomb, an unusual octagonal mound restored in 2022. (© 96Box)

    The Kengoshizuka Mounded Tomb, an unusual octagonal mound restored in 2022. (© 96Box)

  • Visitors to the Shōbuike Mounded Tomb can view the interior of the horizontal stone chamber. (© 96Box)

    Visitors to the Shōbuike Mounded Tomb can view the interior of the horizontal stone chamber. (© 96Box)

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