Asuka Historical Land Preservation Area (飛鳥歴史的風土保存地域), located in the southeast part of Yamato Plain (大和平野), Nara, includes the basin of the Asuka River (飛鳥川) and the surroundings of the Three Yamato Hills [大和三山; Unebi-yama (畝傍山, 199 m), Kagu-yama (香具山, 152 m) and Miminashi-yama (耳成山, 139.7 m)]: It covers the whole part of Asuka Village, County Takaichi (高市郡 明日香村, only about 7,000 population now), a part of Kashihara City (橿原市) and a part of Sakurai City (桜井市).  The center of the area is Asuka Village, which has numerous sites of the Jomon Period (10,000 to 400 BC) and sites of the Asuka Period (from the end of the 6th c to 710) piled up on older sites.  People began to lived here from the early Jomon Period.
  The name "Asuka" is probably originated from the old Korean word "Ansuk" (安宿) which means "a place where one can live in peace."  It suggests that many immigrants from the Korean Peninsula and China came and settled here presumably in the fifth and the sixth centuries and , bringing some new techniques and cultures from their countries.  In the Asuka Period, people began to slough off the period of the ancient burial mounds, with Buddhism and the Korean Culture and the Chinese Culture.  There are many tanka poems written in this area in "Manyo-shu" (The Anthology of a Myriad Leaves) edited by Yakamochi Otomo (大伴家持).

IMAGE	IMAGE NO.	DATA
Asuka Mizuochi Site		Asuka Mizuochi Site (飛鳥水落遺跡), located south of Asuka Elementary School and near the Asuka-gawa River, was designated to be a national historic scene on February 20, 1976.  According to Nihon Shoki (『日本書紀』; The Chronicles of Japan, 720), Prince Naka-no-Oe (中大兄皇子; later Tenji-tenno [天智天皇], 626-678;r.668-671) ordained to make the first Japanese water clock (or "Rokoku"; 漏刻) in May 660 to inform people of the time.  However, it did not mention the exact place.  In 1981, the water tank and the same-sized mortar-board assumedly used for the water clock was excavated here.  It was the beginning for the ancient government to rule people by the time, whose concept was probably imported from China.  Judging from the earthenware discovered here, it was presumably constructed between 650-660 and later abolished.
	nas2006-014	(Friday 17 February) Information board of Asuka Mizuochi Site, Asuka, Asuka Village
	nas2006-015	(Friday 17 February) Asuka Mizuochi Site, Asuka, Asuka Village
	nas2006-016	(Friday 17 February) Asuka Mizuochi Site, Asuka, Asuka Village
Sakafune-ishi		Sakafune-ishi (酒船石), located in the bamboo groove on a hill of Muraoka, Asuka Village, is said to have been made by the order of Empress Saimei (斉明天皇; 594-661;r.655-661) presumably in the 2nd year of Saimei (656) according to Nihon Shoki (日本書紀; The Chronicle of Japan, 720).  This flat, gigantic granite block is 5.5 m long, 2.3 m wide and 1 m thick.  Grooves and dents are carved on the surface like geometrical patterns.  People have suggested a variety of imaginative explanations for its presence, such as stream facility for a garden, sake squeezing facility, medicine blending board or landing mark for a spaceship.  Since 2000, it has been named "Sakafune-ishi Iseki" (酒船石遺跡) by the Asuka Village Education Board, together with "Kamegata-Sekizobutsu" (亀型石造物; the Turtle-Shaped Stonework), "Kobangata-Sekizobutsu (小判型石造物; the Koban [Oval]-Shaped Stonework) and its surrounding sites.   Honestly this is my favorite mysterious stone since I read Osamu Tezuka (手塚 治虫)'s comic Mitsume ga Toru (『三つ目がとおる』; Here Goes a Boy with Three Eyes, 1977-1981; the TV animation broadcasted by TV Tokyo between 1990-1991).  In the volume 7, there is an episode titled "Sakafune-ishi Kidan" (酒船石奇談; An Anecdote of Sakafune-ishi) in which Sakafune-ishi was introduced as a stone board for mixing magical liquid.   Hosuke Sharaku (写楽 保介) the protagonist with three eyes ("Black Prince" as he called himself) is a 2nd-year student of a Japanese junior high school.  He is a short and infant-like boy, who thus becomes a good target to be bullied by other students.  However, he has a mysterious third eye on the forehead, which is usually sealed with a cross-applied sticking plaster because his stepfather Professor Kenmochi (犬持博士) hopes to enseal its devil-like power.  His only good friend is Chiyoko Wato (和登 千代子) who aches for him so much.   One day, joining on the school excursion to Nara, Hosuke is fooled by his classmates as usual and his plaster is taken up by a Buddhist monk who is mad at Hosuke's bad behavior.  Soon his third eye begins to work and his devil-like power is back!  Then he investigates Sakafune-ishi and finally finds for what it was originally used.  Next morning he opens "Nimen-seki" (二面石; The Two-Faced Stone), Tachibana-dera Temple (橘寺), Asuka, and reads the Sanskrit prescription inscribed in the inside.  He teaches how to use Sakafune-ishi to Chiyoko who comes to seek for him.  They go to Sakafune-ishi together and Hosuke blends 17 ingredients on the stone according to the prescription and finally mixes a bottle of theurgy liquid medicine to make a puppet of a person.   Hosuke the Black Prince tells Chiyoko: "I can give this liquid to you but I should give it up, because you take good care of me.  And I love you."   However, on the way back to the hotel where other classmates stay, Chiyoko manages to reseal Hosuke's third eye with a new plaster.  He suddenly loses his satanic power and drops off the bottle on the ground.  He does not remember anything anymore.
	nas2006-048	(Friday 17 February) Sakafune-ishi, located in the bamboo groove on a hill of Muraoka, Asuka Village
	nas2006-049	(Friday 17 February) Sakafune-ishi, located in the bamboo groove on a hill of Muraoka, Asuka Village
	nas2006-050	(Friday 17 February) Sakafune-ishi, located in the bamboo groove on a hill of Muraoka, Asuka Village
	nas2006-052	(Friday 17 February) Sakafune-ishi, located in the bamboo groove on a hill of Muraoka, Asuka Village
	nas2006-053	(Friday 17 February) Sakafune-ishi, located in the bamboo groove on a hill of Muraoka, Asuka Village
	nas2006-054	(Friday 17 February) Sakafune-ishi, located in the bamboo groove on a hill of Muraoka, Asuka Village
	nas2006-055	(Friday 17 February) A western view from Sakafune-ishi
Ishibutai-kofun		"Ishibutai-kofun" (石舞台古墳; lit. the Stone Stage Burial Mound) lies in Shimasho (島庄), Asuka Village.  It is believed to be the tomb of Umako Soga (蘇我 馬子, end of 6th c. to 626) who assumed the reins of government.  It is the largest square-shaped burial mound in Japan.  The name "Ishibutai" is probably derived from its shape, although it is strictly forbidden to dance or perform on the mound.   In 1933 and 1935 grand-scale excavations were carried out with the result that the coffin room is about 7.6 m long, 3.5 m wide and 4.7 m high: It is made up of more than 30 stones that weigh a total of about 2,300 tons.  The ceiling stone of the mound alone weighs about 77 tons.  This mound demonstrates the high-leveled engineering and transport technology at the time.
	nas2006-076	(Friday 17 February) "Ishibutai-kofun" (lit. the Stone Stage Burial Mound) lies in Shimasho, Asuka Village
	nas2006-077	(Friday 17 February) "Ishibutai-kofun" (lit. the Stone Stage Burial Mound) lies in Shimasho, Asuka Village
	nas2006-078	(Friday 17 February) "Ishibutai-kofun" (lit. the Stone Stage Burial Mound) lies in Shimasho, Asuka Village
	nas2006-079	(Friday 17 February) "Ishibutai-kofun" (lit. the Stone Stage Burial Mound) lies in Shimasho, Asuka Village
Asukaniimasu-jinjya		Asukaniimasu-jinjya Shrine (飛鳥坐神社), probably the oldest Japanese shrine (the exact foundation date obscure), is located on Torigata-yama (鳥形山; lit. Bird-shaped hill), the hill in the east of Amakashinooka (甘樫丘).  It enshrines the four Japanese gods, Kotoshironushi-no-mikoto (事代主神), Takamimusubi-no-mikoto (高皇産靈神), Asukamikahime-no-mikoto (飛鳥三日比売神), Omononushi-no-mikoto (大物主神).  There are many small shrines along the approach to the main shrine.  Also famous for many "Yosekis" (Priapus Stones) shaped like the phallos.  They have been worshipped as the symbol of fertility and fecundity.
	nas2006-036	(Friday 17 February) Asukaniimasu-jinjya Shrine, Kannabi, Asuka, Asuka Village, County Takaichi (高市郡明日香村飛鳥字神奈備).  "Kannabi" literally means the place where Gods are.
Kashihara-jingu		Kashihara-jingu Shrine (橿原神宮) was established by the Meiji government on 2 April, 1890 to enshrine the legendary first Emperor Jinmu (神武天皇).  Although it does not have a long history, it is definitely one of the most important shrines as well as Ise-jingu Shrine, Atsuta-jingu Shrine, etc.  In the Meiji Era, people petitioned the government to establish a shrine at the old site of the Kashihara Imperial Palace in order to worship the sacred virtue of Emperor Jinmu.  Emperor Meiji was deeply pleased with this petition and decided to grant two buildings in the Kyoto Imperial Palace, "Kashiko-dokoro" (賢所; the Imperial Sanctuary) and "Shinka-den" (神嘉殿), one to be used as a main building and one as a worship building of the shrine.   Emperor Jimmu was a great grandson of Ninigino-mikoto (瓊瓊杵尊), himself a grandson of Amaterasu-Omikami (天照大神), the Sun-Goddess, and ascended the throne as the First Emperor of Japan.  He was also called in ancient times "Kamuyamato-Iwarehiko-Hohodemino-Sumeramikoto" (神日本磐余彦火火出見天皇).  His Empress Himetatara-Isuzuhime (媛蹈鞴五十鈴姫命; also called "Himetatara-Isukeyorihime": 比売多多良伊須気余理比売) was a daughter of Omononushino-mikoto (大物主命).   When Emperor Jinmu was 45 years old, he set out on 6-year adventurous journey eastward fromo his palace at Takachiho (高千穂), Hyuga (日向) in Kyushu (九州) to expand the work of heavenly deities, following the divine command of the eternity of heaven and earth.  At last, he unified the country and had an enthronement ceremony after constructing the Imperial Palace at Kashihara (橿原宮), an area lying to the southeast of Hill of Unebi (畝傍山, 199 m) in the Yamato Plains (大和平野), which was the center of "Toyoashihara-no-Mizuho-no-kuni" (豊葦原水穂國).   This action was motivated by his wish to realize the ideal of the expansion of the work of heavenly deities, "Hakko-Ichiu" (八紘一宇; "the whole world under one roof," the slogan wrongly used for the former Japanese Empire slogan during WWII), by reigning over the country, the central land of reed plains as proclaimed by Amaterasu-Omikami in her divine command on the occasion of the advent of her grandson, Ninigino-mikoto (瓊々杵尊), by practicing righteous government, and by extending his authority even to very remote countries in all direction.  He was sure it was from the Kashihara Imperial Palace that he could establish a state system by unifying the country.  The real meaning of the Imperial proclamation of "Hakko-Ichiu" is that all races living all directions on this earth should live in friendship and peace as if they lived under one roof.  That is to say, it indicates an ideal for world peace.  Emperor Showa composed a poem, "I pray to the deities of the heavens and the earth for a world like the sea in a morning calm without a wave."   Emperor Jinmu reigned for 76 years after his accession to the throne at the Kashihara Imperial Palace.  He founded Japan, established the basis of government, and passed away at the age of 137 (or 127 according to Nihon Shoki or The Chronicle of Japan (720).        Main reference: The Official Pamphlet of "Kashihara Jingu," translated by Satoshi Yamaguchi, a Shinto priest and former official of the Ministry of Land
	nas2006-002	(Friday 17 February) Kashiharajingu Station on Kintetsu Kashihara Line: This is the station as the main gate to the Asuka Region, one of the most important Japanese historical remains.
	nas2006-080	(Friday 17 February) Map of Kashihara-jingu Shrine, 934 Kume-cho, Kashihara City
	nas2006-081	(Friday 17 February) Signpost of Kashihara-jingu Shrine, 934 Kume-cho, Kashihara City
	nas2006-082	(Friday 17 February) "Ichi-no-Torii" (the First Shrine Gate) on "Omote Sando" (the Main Approach), Kashihara-jingu Shrine
	nas2006-083	(Friday 17 February) "Ishi-bashi" (the Stone Bridge) and "Ni-no-Torii" (the Second Shrine Gate) on "Omote Sando" (the Main Approach), Kashihara-jingu Shrine
	nas2006-084	(Friday 17 February) "Ni-no-Torii" (the Second Shrine Gate) on "Omote Sando" (the Main Approach), Kashihara-jingu Shrine
	nas2006-085	(Friday 17 February) "Chozu-ya" (手水舎; the place for purifying hands and mouths) on "Omote Sando" (the Main Approach), Kashihara-jingu Shrine
	nas2006-086	(Friday 17 February) Fukuda-ike Pond, Kashihara-jingu Shrine
	nas2006-087	(Friday 17 February) "Minami-shinmon" (the South Sacred Gate), Kashihara-jingu Shrine
	nas2006-088	(Friday 17 February) "Minami-shinmon" (the South Sacred Gate), Kashihara-jingu Shrine: It shows that this year is 2,666th year of "Koki" (皇紀; the Japanese Era which begins in 660 B.C. when Emperor Jinmu reportedly throned as the first Japanese Emperor).
	nas2006-089	(Friday 17 February) "Ge-hai-den" (the Outer Worship Hall), Kashihara-jingu Shrine: Normally visitors worship here.
	nas2006-090	(Friday 17 February) "Nai-hai-den" (the Inner Worship Hall) through "Ge-hai-den" (the Outer Worship Hall), Kashihara-jingu Shrine: You need a booking to enter "Nai-hai-den."
	nas2006-091	(Friday 17 February) "Nai-hai-den" (the Inner Worship Hall), Kashihara-jingu Shrine
	nas2006-092	(Friday 17 February) "Ge-hai-den" (the Outer Worship Hall), Kashihara-jingu Shrine
	nas2006-093	(Friday 17 February) Corridors of "Ge-hai-den" (the Outer Worship Hall), Kashihara-jingu Shrine
Unebi-goryo		Unebi-goryo (畝傍御陵; the Unebi Mausoleum), located north next to Kashihara-jingu Shrine and at the foot of Hill of Unebi (畝傍山, 199 m), is the first Japanese emperor Emperor Jinmu's Imperial tomb.  It is in "Hachiryo-Enkei" (八稜円形; the Octagonal Round Shape); about 100 meters in circumference and 5.5 meters high.  In fact, the "real" mausoleum of Emperor Jinmu had long been unknown until 1863 when the Utsunomiya clan's investigation committee finally appointed here.   Formally called "Unebi-no-yama-no-Ushitora-no-Misasagi" (畝傍山東北陵).  The address is Okubo-cho, Kashihara City.  The nearest station is Unebigoryomae Station on Kintetsu-Kashihara Line.
	nas2006-095	(Sunday 19 February) Signpost of Unebi-goryo and Hill of Unebi
	nas2006-096	(Sunday 19 February) Main approach to Unebi-goryo, Okubo-cho, Kashihara City
	nas2006-097	(Sunday 19 February) Unebi-goryo: Normally visitors worship here unless you are a member of the Japanese Royal Family or have a special permission to enter.
	nas2006-098	(Sunday 19 February) Unebi-goryo, Okubo-cho, Kashihara City
	nas2006-099	(Sunday 19 February) Unebi-goryo, Okubo-cho, Kashihara City
	nas2006-100	(Sunday 19 February) Unebi-goryo, Okubo-cho, Kashihara City
Kogen-tenno-ryo		"Kogen-tenno-ryo" is the Imperial mausoleum for the legendary 8th Emperor Kogen (孝元天皇 or "Oyamato-Nekohiko-Kunikuru-no-Mikoto" [大日本根子彦国牽尊; 大倭根子日子国玖琉命 (as named in Kojiki [古事記; The Record of Ancient Matters, 710 AD], ?273 BC-?158 BC;r.?214 BC-?158 BC).  This mausoleum is located in Ishikawa-cho, Kashiwara City, Nara (5 minutes by bicycle from Kashiharajingu Station).  His palace was said to have been "Karunosakaihara-no-miya" (軽境原宮) located in Mise-cho, Kashihara City.   He is one of "Kesshi Hachi-dai" (闕史八代/欠史八代; the Eight Japanese Emperors Whose Deeds Were Not Recorded in History); the 2nd Emperor Suizei (綏靖天皇), the 3rd Emperor Annei (安寧天皇), the 4th Emperor Itoku (懿徳天皇), the 5th Emperor Kosho (孝昭天皇), the 6th Emperor Koan (孝安天皇), the 7th Emperor Korei (孝霊天皇), the 8th Emperor Kogen (孝元天皇) and the 9th Emperor Kaika (開化天皇).  All of their names were just recorded in Tenno-ke Keifu (the Genealogy of the Japanese Imperial Family) both in Kojiki and Nihon-shoki (日本書紀; The Chronicles of Japan, 720 AD) without describing their deeds and achievements.
	nas2005-005	(Friday 17 February) "Kogen-tenno-ryo" (the Imperial mausoleum for the legendary 8th Emperor Kogen), Ishikawa-cho, Kashihara City.
Shotoku-taishi		This is the signpost for showing the birthplace of Prince Regent Shotoku (聖徳太子; Shotoku-taishi, A.D.574-622), the legendary politician supporting his aunt Empress Suiko (Suiko-tenno), decided to move the capital from Asuka and build the new palace in Ikaruga in 601 (burnt in 643).  "Shotoku-taishi" was not his name during his lifetime.  His real name was "Umayatono-oji," or "Umayatono-mikoto," both meaning "the prince of the horse stable" which was named after his birth legend: He is said to have been born in front of a horse stable after an avatar of Avalokitesvara (Kuan Yin) enters the body of the prince's mother princess Anahobe-no-Hashihitono-himemiko.  In fact, however, his name was after his birthplace "Umayato."  He was gradually called "Shotoku-taishi" which means "the prince of holy virtues" about one hundred years after his death in the early eighth century.  His birth legend was probably written by the early eighth century historians under the influence of Christianity derived from Nestorians in China.   Most scholars say that Shotoku-taishi was born on the site now called Tachibana-dera Temple (橘寺), Asuka.
	nas2006-013	(Friday 17 February) Birthplace of Prince Regent Shotoku (?), by the Asuka-gawa River
Oka-dera Temple		Oka-dera Temple (岡寺), formally called "Toko-zan Shinjyu-in Ryugai-ji (東光山 真珠院 龍蓋寺), is in the middle of Hill of Oka (岡山), 806 Muraoka, Asuka Village, County Takaichi.  The popular name "Oka-dera" is derived from the fact that the temple founder Gien (義淵, ?-728) was donated the former palace of his childhood friend Kusakabe-no-miko (草壁皇子, Crown Prince Kusakabe, 662-289), who could not ascend the throne because of the undeserved execution of his popular half brother Otsu-no-miko (大津皇子, 663-686) and his early death at the age of 28 and was sent the posthumous title "Okanomiyagyo-tenno" (岡宮御宇天皇; Emperor Okanomiyagyo) in 758.   Thus the temple was founded by Gien in 663.  The present temple is located west next to the original place (now Harita-jinjya Shrine; 治田神社) .   The formal name "Ryugai-ji" (lit. the Temple of Putting the Dragon on the Lid) is derived from the legend that the founder Gien, using his Miracle-working power, confined the dragon, which took a malicious pleasure in tormenting people, into the pond (later called "Ryugai-ike"; 龍蓋池) now in front of the main temple hall.   Although Gien is known as the father of the Hosso-shu sect (法相宗), this temple now belongs to the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect (真言宗豊山派) of Buddhism.  The temple enshrines Japan's largest clay sculpture "Nyoirin Kannon" (Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara, over 4.5 meters high) dating to the eighth century.  Since the Heian Period (794-1185), Oka-dera became the seventh stop on the Pilgrimage to the Thirty-Three Sacred Temples of Kannon in Western Japan (西国三十三所観音霊場巡り).  Also known as the first Japanese sacred place for apotropaism (厄除) founded in the Kamakura Period (1185-1333).
	nas2006-057	(Friday 17 February) "Nio-mon" (the Deva Gate), Oka-dera Temple: You see the four Chinese characters (厄除祈願) reading "Yakuyoke-Kigan" which means "Prayers for Protecting You against Evils."
	nas2006-058	(Friday 17 February) "Nio-mon" (the Deva Gate), Oka-dera Temple.  Strangely the gate does not contain two images of the Deva guardian gods as other temples usually have: Instead, numerous Japanese Buddhist talismans hang on the both sides of the gate.
	nas2006-059	(Friday 17 February) A small stone image of the Buddha, Oka-dera Temple
	nas2006-060	(Friday 17 February) "Shoro-do" (the Hall of the Belfry, probably built in 1808), Oka-dera Temple
	nas2006-062	(Friday 17 February) "Shoro-do" (the Hall of the Belfry, probably built in 1808), Oka-dera Temple
	nas2006-063	(Friday 17 February) "Kaisan-do" (the Founder's Hall, built in 1797 or earlier) and "Hon-do" (the Main Hall, built in 1805), Oka-dera Temple
	nas2006-064	(Friday 17 February) "Hon-do" (the Main Hall, built in 1805), Oka-dera Temple
	nas2006-066	(Friday 17 February) "Hon-do" (the Main Hall, built in 1805), Oka-dera Temple.  It enshrines Japan's largest clay sculpture "Nyoirin Kannon" (Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara, over 4.5 meters high) dating to the eighth century.
	nas2006-067	(Friday 17 February) "(B)Inzuru-sonjya" (賓頭盧尊者; Pindola), "Hon-do" (the Main Hall), Oka-dera Temple.  Binzuru-sonjya, or Pindolabharadvaja, is a disciple of the Great Buddha.  According to Soka Gakkai Dictionary of Buddhism: he was the son of a minister to Udayana, the king of Kaushambiin India, but he renounced the secular world to enter the Buddhist Order and attained the state of arhat.  It is said that he excelled in supernatural powers.  Pindolabharadvaja is counted among the sixteen arhats entrusted by the Great Buddha with his teaching and who vowed to protect it after his death.  Pindolabharadvaja is also written Pindola Bharadvaja.      Bizuru-sonjya is a very popular image in the Buddhist temples including Horyu-ji Temple, etc. over the country: his divine grace is to cure illness.  It is commonly believed in Japan that when a person rubs a part of the image of "Binzuru" and then rubs the corresponding part of his/her own body, his/her ailment there will disappear.  Also see the Nara Central page.
	nas2006-068	(Friday 17 February) "Daishi-do" (Hall of Kobo-daishi [弘法大師], or St. Kukai [空海], 774-835), Oka-dera Temple.  It was built in the Showa Era (1925-1989).
	nas2006-071	(Friday 17 February) "Sanjyu-hoto" (the Three-Storied Pagoda), Oka-dera Temple.  The original pagoda was destroyed by a great typhoon in 1472.  It was reconstructed in 1986.
	nas2006-072	(Friday 17 February) The western view from Oka-dera Temple
Asuka-dera Temple		Torigata-yama Asuka-dera Temple (鳥形山 飛鳥寺), known as Asuka-dera Temple (飛鳥寺) is in 682 Asuka, Asuka Village, is the oldest Japanese Buddhist temple built in 606 AD by Korean artisans from Paekche (百済) at Umako Soga (蘇我馬子)'s request in 588.  This Korean temple originally had the precincts of 600 square meters, centering a big pagoda in the southwest part with three golden halls.  "Asuka-dera" is a popular name probably since the foundation but it was formally called "Hoko-ji" (法興寺): Now it is formally called "Chokeizan Ango-in (鳥形山 安居院).  It belongs to the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect (真言宗豊山派).  As the capital moved to Nara City in 710, the old Hoko-ji Temple also moved to Nara City with some original materials and was later renamed "Gango-ji" Temple (元興寺).   It enshrines "Asuka-Daibustu" (飛鳥大仏; the Great Seated Figure of the Asuka Buddha , 2.7 m high) or "Shaka-nyorai" (Shakyamuni Tathagata) made by the Buddhist image sculptor Tori Kuratsukuri (仏師 鞍作止利; a Korean descendant) in 609.  It is the oldest Japanese Buddha sculpture among all the dated Buddha images.  In 887 and 1196, fires heavily damaged this temple and the Great Buddha image.  The temple was reconstructed in 1632 and 1826.  The Buddha image has been repaired many times since then: The only existing original parts are said to be the face, the left ear and three fingers of the right hand.  It is noted that the Asuka image has an oval face with an archaic smile, unlike other Japanese Buddha images in later periods.
	nas2006-017	(Friday 17 February) Information board of Asuka-dera Temple
	nas2006-018	(Friday 17 February) "Ji-mon" (寺門; the Temple Gate), Asuka-dera Temple
	nas2006-025	(Friday 17 February) "Sara-sojyu-no-ki" or the sal tree (沙羅の樹), Asuka-dera Temple.   For Buddhists, the sal tree, especially the twin sal trees (沙羅双樹) have a very special meaning because it is strongly related to the Buddha's attaining Nirvana.   Gautama Buddha died of an illness brought on by some error in diet.  He became ill through eating "Sukara-maddavam," prepared for him by a lady adherent named Cundo.  The commentator explains the word as meaning 'hog's flesh.'  Buddha said to Ananda, "Go, Ananda, prepare for me, between twin Sal trees, a couch with the head northward.  I am exhausted and would like to lie down."  A wonderful scene followed.  The twin Sal trees burst into full bloom although it was not the blossoming season.  Those flowers fell on the body of the Buddha out of reverence.  Divine coral tree flowers and divine sandalwood powders fell from above on the Buddha's body out of reverence.  Then the Buddha said, "Come now, dear monks. I bid you farewell.  Compounds are subject to dissolution.  Prosper you through diligence and work out your salvation."         It is also described in the opening passage of Heike Monogatari (『平家物語』; The Tale of the Taira Clan [The Heike], anonymous, 1219-1243):      祇園精舎の鐘の聲、   諸行無常の響あり。   娑羅雙樹の花の色、   盛者必衰のことわりをあらはす。   おごれる人も久しからず、   唯春の夜の夢のごとし。   たけき者も遂にほろびぬ、   偏に風の前の塵に同じ。      The bell sound from Jetavanavihara*    Echoes the vanity of all things.   The color of the flowers on the twin Sal trees   Reveals the truth that prosperity must decline.   He who is extravagant cannot abide for long,   As if it were a dream on a night in spring.   He who is fierce is finally doomed,   As if it were a dust before the wind.     (trans. Eishiro Ito)   *Jetavana-vihara (Jap. "Gion-shoja") is the monastery, erected by the old man Sudatta for Gautama Buddha, where he preached The Dharma (Skt. vihara; place of recreation).      Although the above poem refers to the rise and fall of the Heike clan, this Sal tree in Asuka-dera Temple reminds me of the ebb and flow of the Soga clan who founded this as their family temple in 606.
	nas2006-027	(Friday 17 February) "Shoro" (the Belfry), Asuka-dera Temple.  Does the bell sound from this belfry also echo the vanity of all things?
	nas2006-028	(Friday 17 February) "Chu-kon-do" (the Main Golden Hall) enshring the Great Buddha Image, Asuka-dera Temple
	nas2006-030	(Friday 17 February) "Asuka-Daibustu" (飛鳥大仏; the Great Seated Figure of the Asuka Buddha), Asuka-dera Temple.  This 2.7 m-high "Shaka-nyorai" (Shakyamuni Tathagata) was made by the Buddhist image sculptor Tori Kuratsukuri (仏師 鞍作止利; a Korean descendant) in 609.  It is the oldest Japanese Buddha sculpture among all the dated Buddha images.  In 887 and 1196, fires heavily damaged this temple and the Great Buddha image.  The temple was reconstructed in 1632 and 1826.  The Buddha image has been repaired many times since then: The only existing original parts are said to be the face, the left ear and three fingers of the right hand.  It is noted that the Asuka image has an oval face with an archaic smile, unlike other Japanese Buddha images in later periods.  It was made of wood and copper.  Courtesy of Asuka-dera Temple.
	nas2006-032	(Friday 17 February) The beseated Figure of "Amida-nyorai "(Amtabha Tathagata), "Chu-kon-do" (the Main Golden Hall), Asuka-dera Temple.  It is enshrined on the right of the Great Buddha.  It was made in the middle Heian Period (794-1185).  Courtesy of Asuka-dera Temple.
	nas2006-033	(Friday 17 February) Information board of the west gate site of Asuka-dera Temple
Iruka Soga's Kubizuka		This stone monument, reportedly made in the Kamakura Period (1285-1333), indicates the mound where Iruka Soga (蘇我 入鹿, ?-645)'s heads were allegedly buried.  He was assassinated by Prince Naka-no-Oe (中大兄皇子), Saeki-no-muraji-komaro (佐伯連子麻呂) and Kazuraki-no-waka-Inukai-no-muraji-Amita (葛城稚犬養網田) in the presence of the 35th Empress Kogyoku (皇極天皇, 594-661; r.642-645)* at the Asuka-Itabuki-no-miya Palace (飛鳥板葺宮), which is called "Isshi-no-hen" (乙巳の変; the Murder in the Year of Isshi ) on June 12, 645.  Empress Kogyoku, deeply shocked at the murder, soon abdicated the throne to the 36th Emperor Kotoku (孝徳天皇, 596?-654; r.645-554).   The Soga-clan was a very powerful family who took over the reins of government and killed Shotoku-taishi (聖徳太子)'s son Prince Yamashiro-no-Oe (山背大兄皇子), but they were perished in 645 by Prince Naka-no-Oe (中大兄皇子; later Tenji-tenno [天智天皇], 626-678;r.668-671) and Kamatari Nakatomi (中臣鎌足, 614-669), the founder of the Fujiwara clan (藤原氏).  It is called "Taika-no-Kaishin" (大化の改新; the Reformation of the Taika Era).      *After Emperor Kotoku's death, Ex-Empress Kogyoku retook the throne and became the 37th Empress Saimei (斉明天皇, r.665-661) for a complicated reason.
	nas2006-034	(Friday 17 February) Iruka Soga's Kubizuka, Asuka, Asuka Village.  It is located on the edge of rice field, about 100 m west of Asuka-dera temple
	nas2006-035	(Friday 17 February) Iruka Soga's Kubizuka, Asuka, Asuka Village.  It is located on the edge of rice field, about 100 m west of Asuka-dera temple
Amakashinooka Area		Amakashi-no-oka (甘樫丘) is said to have been a site of the mansion of Emishi Soga (蘇我 蝦夷, ?-645) and his son Iruka Soga (蘇我 入鹿, ?-645).   The Soga-clan was a very powerful family who took over the reins of government and killed Shotoku-taishi (聖徳太子)'s son Prince Yamashiro-no-Oe (山背大兄皇子), but they were perished in 645 by Prince Naka-no-Oe (中大兄皇子; later Tenji-tenno [天智天皇], 626-678;r.668-671) and Kamatari Nakatomi (中臣鎌足, 614-669), the founder of the Fujiwara clan (藤原氏).  It is called "Taika-no-Kaishin" (大化の改新; the Reformation of the Taika Era).   Later many people have visited here to have a view of Asuka Area from the top of the hill (148 m) and wrote numerous tanka poems.  It is also famous for the site for "Kugatachi" (盟神探湯).  "Kugatachi" is a Shinto ritual, or the ancient ordeal.  After swearing the Shinto Gods, each litigant would put his hand into boiling water in order to distinguish right and wrong: The one who is right and tell the truth is said not to feel heat and not to burn his hand.
	nas2006-007	(Friday 17 February) Inscription Stone of Amakashi-no-oka of National Asuka Historic Park
	nas2006-008	(Friday 17 February) Asuka Area viewed from Amakashi-no-oka
	nas2006-009	(Friday 17 February) Asuka Area viewed from Amakashi-no-oka
	nas2006-010	(Friday 17 February) Asuka Area viewed from Amakashi-no-oka
	nas2006-011	(Friday 17 February) Asuka Area viewed from Amakashi-no-oka
Fujiwara Remains		Ohara (大原/ now 小原), Asuka Village, County Takaichi, is one of the three candidates for Kamatari Nakatomi (later Fujiwara, 614-669)'s birthplace.  According to To-shi-ka-den (『藤氏家伝』; History of the Fujiwara Family) written by Nakamaro Fujiwara (藤原仲麻呂) in c.670, the birthplace was Fujiwara, County Takaichi, Yamato-no-kuni (now Kashihara City).  However, it must be Kashima (鹿島), Hitachi-no-kuni (常陸国) according to Okagami (『大鏡』; The Great Mirror, anoymous, in the late 11th century).  His father is Mikeko Nakatomi (中臣御食子) and his mother is Otomo-bunin (大伴夫人), daughter of Kuiko Otomo (大伴咋子).  Mikeko's ancestry was reportedly the chief priest of Kashima-jingu Shrine (鹿島神宮).  Kamatari married Princess Oagami-no-okimi (鏡王女, ?-683) known as a celebrated poet of Manyo-shu (Anthology of a Myriad Leaves).   He served for Prince Naka-no-Oe (中大兄皇子; later Emperor Tenji [天智天皇], 626-678;r.668-671) after "Taika-no-Kaishin" (大化の改新; the Reformation of the Taika Era).  He received "Nai-Daijin" (the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal; the third best minister) and the surname of "Fujiwara" from Emperor Tenji a little before his death.  Later only his second son Fuhito Fujiwara (藤原不比等, 659-720) was allowed to bear the name of "Fujiwara" in 698 while other Kamatari's children were not, thus it can be said that Fuhito was the actual founder of the Fujiwara clan.
	nas2006-038	(Friday 17 February) Graveyard of Otomo-bunin (Lady Otomo, Kamatari Fujiwara's mother), Ohara-no-sato, 400 m east of Asukaniimasu-jinjya Shrine
	nas2006-039	(Friday 17 February) Graveyard of Otomo-bunin (Lady Otomo, Kamatari Fujiwara's mother), Ohara-no-sato, 400 m east of Asukaniimasu-jinjya Shrine.  The grave is a disc barrow, 11 m from east to west, 12 m from north to south and 2.4 in height
	nas2006-041	(Friday 17 February) Ohara-jinjya Shrine (大原/小原神社) or the birthplace of Kamatari Fujiwara, Ohara-no-sato, 500 m east of Asukaniimasu-jinjya (6 minutes walk).  A temple named "Togen-ji" (藤原寺) stood here until the early Meiji Era (1868-1912).  It was owned by the Takatsukasa family (鷹司家), one of the Five Sekkan-ke, the descendants of the Fujiwara clan, and later ceded to the Hirata family (平田家) in the early Meiji Era.
	nas2006-044	(Friday 17 February) Ohara-jinjya Shrine (大原/小原神社) or the birthplace of Kamatari Fujiwara
	nas2006-045	(Friday 17 February) "Hokora" (the small shrine) of Ohara-jinjya Shrine (大原/小原神社) or the birthplace of Kamatari Fujiwara

        

Copyright (c) 2006 Eishiro Ito.  All rights reserved.