What we'll do

Meeting place

Route

1. 1

   Tachibana-dera Temple

   The date of its founding is unknown. It is said to be the birthplace of Shotoku Taishi, the most famous historical figure in Japan. and one of the seven temples built by Prince Shotoku. 66 halls lined the temple grounds in the 8th century, and the temple was a large temple with a Shitennoji-style layout. The temple stands in the beautiful Asuka landscape. The highlight of the temple is a seated statue of Prince Shotoku from the Muromachi period (Important Cultural Property).

2. 2

   Lunch

   Please enjoy the local cuisine of the Asuka region.

3. 3

   Ishibutai Burial Mound

   It is one of the largest square mounds in Japan. The mound has a unique shape in that no fill remains at all, exposing a huge, double-sleeved, side-anchored stone chamber. The roof stone has a wide, flat top, giving it the appearance of a stage, hence the name "Ishibutai" (stone stage).
   The total weight of the 30 or so rocks is approximately 2,300 tons, and the ceiling stone in particular is quite heavy, weighing approximately 77 tons, indicating the superior civil engineering and transportation technology of the time when it was built.

4. 4

   Oka-dera Temple

   Founded in 663. The official name of the temple is Ryubutsuji, but it is affectionately called Oka-dera, meaning "temple in Oka" in Japanese. The main deity, Nyoirin Kannon, is the largest plastic statue in Japan and was built in the Nara period (710-794).
   As Japan's first sacred site for exorcism, Oka-dera Temple is visited by many people from all over Japan who pray to be rid of bad luck. You can experience a special goma prayer to ward off bad luck.

5. 5

   Asuka-dera Temple

   The principal image of the temple, the seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, is made of copper and designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
   In 605, the emperor of the time, together with Prince Shotoku, Prince Soga, and other princes, initiated the construction of this statue, which is the oldest large statue of Buddha in Japan, by Kurusakudori (a Buddhist priest from the Baekje Dynasty).

6. 6

   Kengoshizuka-Burial Mound

   Excavations since 2009 have revealed that the tomb is an octagonal burial mound, raising the possibility that it is the mausoleum of Emperor Saimei, a female emperor of the Asuka period and the mother of Emperors Tenchi and Temmu.

Details

• Location Nara
• Languages English
• Max participants Up to 4 people
• Activity duration About 8 hours

Things to know

Keywords

• Art & Architecture
• Beautiful Scenery
• Culture Experience
• History
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• Outdoor Activities
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