Visit Empress Suiko sites by bicycle

  1. Two-day course
  2. Half-day course
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Kashiharajingu-mae Sta.

2 min.

Toyurano-miya Palace Site

On the precincts of Kogenji Temple, visitors can view the remains of Toyurano-miya—the palace where Empress Suiko was enthroned. Suiko herself is said to have walked over the weathered cobblestones that remain here, where pillars once stood. Visit this site, and you’ll get to experience history first-hand.

2 min.

Ikazuchino-oka Toho Archaeological Site

It is believed that Oharidano-miya Palace once stood on this site. This is where Empress Suiko administered state affairs and established the Twelve-Level Cap and Rank System and the Seventeen-Article Constitution.

7 min.

Yoko-oji Road

Yoko-oji was constructed as an imperial road to facilitate diplomatic relations with foreign states. The opening of this road served to connect the imperial capital of Asuka to Naniwa (present-day Osaka). Imai-cho, a district near Yoko-oji, retains the classical Japanese townscape. Try popping in to some of the unique cafes and shops.

7 min.

Fukada-ike Pond

This is believed to be the same pond that was once known as Unebi-ike—one of nine irrigation ponds commissioned by Empress Suiko in the Yamato and Kawachi areas.

5 min.

Maruyama Kofun Tumulus

This is believed to be one of the resting places of Empress Suiko’s parents, Emperor Kinmei and his consort, Kitashi-hime. The remains of Emperor Kinmei and Kitashi-hime are hypothesized to be in a mausoleum at one of two locations: either in the Maruyama Kofun tumulus in Kashihara or at the Kinmei Tenno-ryo in Asuka.

2 min.

Ueyama Kofun Tumulus

The Ueyama tumulus contains two horizontal stone chambers lying side by side. This is believed to be where Empress Suiko was first buried, alongside her beloved son, Prince Takeda, who passed away at a young age.

4 min.

Mausoleum of Emperor Kinmei
(Kinmei Tenno-ryo)

This is believed to be one of the resting places of Empress Suiko’s parents, Emperor Kinmei and his consort, Kitashi-hime. The remains of Emperor Kinmei and Kitashi-hime are hypothesized to be in a mausoleum at one of two locations: either at the Kinmei Tenno-ryo in Asuka or in the Maruyama Kofun tumulus in Kashihara.

10 min.

Hatamikai Shrine

The area around the shrine is where members of Empress Suiko’s court would go looking for medicinal herbs and game. While the women picked herbs, the men would hunt deer for their prized antlers.

Stay the night

Ishibutai Kofun Tumulus

This gigantic tomb is believed to be the burial site of Soga no Umako, who worked with Empress Suiko and Prince Umayato in building a nation. Walk inside the tomb and be overwhelmed by the size of these rocks!

4 min.

Asukadera Temple

Asukadera was Japan’s first full-scale temple. Come and pay your respects to the oldest Buddha statue in the country. Asukadera was built during Empress Suiko’s reign.

3 min.

Glass Studio & Coffee Sanpo

You’ll never tire of the simple, modest designs of the glassware in this shop, all of which is handmade. Why not try your hand at glassblowing here, before relaxing with a home-roasted coffee in the adjacent coffee shop?

3 min.

Amakashino-oka Hills

While being a strong supporter of Buddhism, Empress Suiko also revered the ancient indigenous gods. Was this because she sensed the magnificent powers of nature?
As well as being an empress, Suiko is believed to have played the role of a miko (shaman). The lush and thickly forested hills of Amakashino-oka remain today as testament to animist prayers offered by the empress in ancient times.

3 min.

Yamada-michi Road

This ancient imperial road, which dates back to the Asuka Period, leads to the site of the imperial palace. Chinese envoy Pei Shiqing is believed to have traveled this road with Japanese diplomatic envoys to Sui China.

2 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.

7 min.

Kashiharajingu-mae Sta.
GOAL

Recommended spots

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

Glass Studio & Coffee Sanpo

You’ll never tire of the simple, modest designs of the glassware in this shop, all of which is handmade. Why not try your hand at glassblowing here, before relaxing with a home-roasted coffee in the adjacent coffee shop?

  • 10:00–18:00 (last order 17:30); Closes at 17:00 (last order 16:30) Oct.–Feb.; Closed Thurs. and Fri. (open on public holidays)
    Note: Glassblowing classes are held irregularly. Please inquire in advance.
  • Coffee from 450 yen, homemade cake 420 yen, lunch from 1,000 yen
  • Take the Akakame bus and get off at Oka-hashimoto
  • 55-4 Oka, Asuka-mura
  • 0744-41-6115
  • Glass Studio & Coffee Shop Sanpo
  • Map

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