Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara Ancient Capitals Receive UNESCO World Heritage Status
The Asuka-Fujiwara Archaeological Sites of Japan’s Ancient Capitals and Related Properties in Nara Prefecture have been officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, highlighting a remarkable cultural landscape that represents the origins of Japan’s political, religious and social foundations while offering travelers a deeper connection to the nation’s ancient heritage.
Situated in Asuka Village at the northern entrance of the Kii Peninsula, the newly recognized World Heritage property protects the archaeological remains of Japan’s earliest capital areas. These historic sites preserve evidence of a transformative era more than 1,400 years ago, when Japan developed its first centralized government system, embraced Buddhism and shaped the cultural traditions that continue to influence the country today.
