Archaeological Institute of Kashihara

The Archaeological Institute of Kashihara (奈良県立橿原考古学研究所, Narakenritsu Kashihara Kōkogaku Kenkyūsho) sits at the foot of Mount Unebi, one of Nara’s sacred Yamato mountains. Founded by the Nara prefectural government, it plays a key role in preserving and studying ancient ruins across the region. One of its major projects was the excavation of the famous Takamatsuzuka Tomb in the 1970s.

The institute includes a museum with three main rooms showing Japan’s history through artifacts, maps, and dioramas. The first room explores life in the Jomon and Yayoi periods. The second covers the Kofun era with ancient burial mounds. The third takes visitors from the Asuka period through to the Muromachi era. It's a fascinating journey through Japan’s early history in one place.