Asuka Museum

The Asuka Museum (飛鳥資料館, Asuka Shiryōkan) offers an intriguing look at the Asuka Period (538–710), a transformative era in Japan's early history. Located in the heart of the Asuka region, the museum has two exhibition rooms on the ground floor and a special exhibit space in the basement. Although many displays have limited English descriptions, visitors can explore a wealth of detailed models, reconstructions, and artifacts that visually narrate the culture and history of the Asuka Period. The museum’s collection provides insight into the region’s ancient lifestyle, showcasing its significance in shaping the foundations of Japanese civilization.

Among the museum's highlights is the Sekijinzo, a 7th-century stone fountain depicting an embracing couple, discovered just a few hundred meters from the museum. Nearby, visitors can also view the Shumisenseki, another ancient fountain. A full-scale replica of the Shumisenseki greets visitors at the museum's entrance, surrounded by other ancient stone sculptures that offer a tangible connection to early Japanese artistic expression and history. These unique works invite visitors to delve deeper into the artistic and cultural heritage that flourished during the Asuka Period.