Visit Empress Jito sites by bicycle

START
4-hour course
Yamato-yagi Sta.

 

Shimotsu-michi Road

This thoroughfare traverses the Yamato basin. It is likely that Empress Jito observed this road during the construction of the capital of Fujiwara-kyo. To this day, Shimotsu-michi remains in use as a thoroughfare in the city of Kashihara.

7 min.

Moto-yakushiji Temple Ruins

This is the ancient site of a temple that Emperor Tenmu began building so that his empress consort (later to become Empress Jito) could recover from illness. Jito eventually completed construction of the temple according to her husband’s dying wishes.

4 min.

Fujiwara Palace Site

This is the former site of a palace that stood in Japan’s largest ancient capital, Fujiwara-kyo. Having overseen the planning of Fujiwara-kyo, Emperor Tenmu passed away soon after its construction had begun. It was Empress Jito who, in fulfilling her husband’s dying wishes, ensured that construction of the capital was completed. This historic legacy symbolizes a magnificent story of nation-building.

3 min.

Uneotsu-tamoto Shrine

Emperor Tenmu’s son Prince Takechi played a key role in the government. His consort, Princess Hinokuma, is said to have stopped here to pray for a long life for her husband.

10 min.

Mausoleum of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jito

This is a joint mausoleum for Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jito. These two achieved their grand dream of building a formal nation with its own laws and codes, and here they rest side by side for eternity.

5 min.

Asuka Kiyomihara Palace Ruins

This is where Empress Jito and Emperor Tenmu put their policies into action. Japan was rapidly becoming a formal nation with its own laws and codes.

3 min.

Ishigami Site

The remains of a guest house were found here. The Shumisen-seki stone structure and the Sekijinzo stone figure of a man and woman embracing—both of which are believed to have been fountains—were also excavated here. The guest house was most probably built for entertaining the Emishi tribe of Tohoku, the Hayato tribe of southern Kyushu, and overseas envoys who visited during Empress Saimei’s reign.

3 min.

Asuka Historical Museum

This museum provides an easily digestible introduction to the history and culture of the Asuka area, through an array of precious unearthed artifacts and replicas.

13 min.

Yamato-yagi Sta.
GOAL

Recommended spot

Asuka Historical Museum

This museum provides an easily digestible introduction to the history and culture of the Asuka area, through an array of precious unearthed artifacts and replicas. Of special note is a corridor of Yamadadera Temple, which is the oldest existing temple structure in Japan. Discovered underground with the pillars and windows still intact, it has been designated an Important Cultural Property.

  • 9:00–16:30 (enter by 16:00); Closed Mon. (or Tues. when Mon. is a public holiday)
  • 270 yen
  • Take the Akakame bus and get off at Asuka Shiryokan
  • 601 Okuyama, Asuka-mura
  • 0744-54-3561
  • Asuka Historical Museum
  • Map

PAGE TOP