Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties: Asuka Historical Museum (飛鳥資料館)

About Asuka Historical Museum:

The Asuka Historical Museum was opened in 1975 at Okuyama in the village of Asuka in cooperation with the measures in the special legislation for the purpose of storing the historic characteristic of the Asuka area.

The Asuka Historical Museum’ collections are primarily from the Asuka period (6th-8th century). The collection also include objects from the late Kofun period (3th –6th century).

Focus: Archaeology, Ancient historical sites, temples, shrines, ancient writings, Soga Clan

Notable Collection(s):

The Asuka Historical Museum has two exhibition halls for the regular exhibitions.

The first exhibition hall focuses on materials associated with the Asuka Palace and the Soga clan (蘇我氏) along with Asuka-dera (飛鳥寺),  Kawara-dera (川原寺) and the Takamatsuzuka kofun (高松塚古墳) and Kitora Kofun (キトラ古墳).

The second exhibition features excavated materials from the Yamada-dera (山田寺), cloister, which was built by Soga no Kurayamada no Ishikawamaro (蘇我倉山田石川麻呂), a grandson of Soga no Umako (蘇我馬子).  The gardens of the museum house reproductions of large-scale rock carvings and statues from the Asuka period.

• Shumisenseki (須弥山石): Shumisenseki, three pieces of objects, decorated with stone reliefs ( originally four or five, and restored to four pieces), was excavated from Ishigami Ruins, 石上遺跡, of  Asuka village Ishigami in 1902.  It is said to be a fountain equipment, and Emperor Saimei (斉明天皇) held banquet for the visitors.

• Sekijinzō (石人像): Sekijinzō, stone statue of two people (fountain equipment), was excavated from Ishigami Ruins (石上遺跡) of Asuka village Ishigami in 1903.  It is also referred to as guardians for the community. women are using a hand from behind the man sitting on the rock.

Note: The Guide uses the ALA/LC standard romanization, however, it also reflects a different romanization system used by an individual institution or collection.

Directions:

Kintetsu Line (近鉄線) Kashiharajingumae or Asuka station (橿原神宮前駅、飛鳥駅):

• By Bus:
  • Take Akakame (赤かめ) bus and get off at the museum.

Note: Please refer to "ご利用案内・アクセス" for the Bus schedules.

For all comments and questions about the Guide, please e-mail us:

MLAGuide@nccjapan.org