Asuka, Nara

Ishibutai Kofun, believed to be burial site of Soga no Umako

is a village located in Takaichi District, Nara, Japan.

As of 2003, the village has an estimated population of 6,615 and a density of 274.71 persons per km². The total area is 24.08 km².

Asuka was one of the Imperial capitals of Japan during the Asuka period (538 A.D. - 710 A.D.), which takes its name from this place. The place in turn was given its name in honour of Asuka Nyorai, the Japanese equivalent of Akshobhya, one of the Five Buddhas of Wisdom, who was worshipped in the Asuka-dera (temple), the Asuka-niimasu-jinja (shrine for his manifestation as a Shinto god), and several other structures from those days. Their ruins remain, while archaeology projects continue to uncover relics from the past. Recent discoveries in the area include Wado coins, believed to be some of the oldest coins in Japan, and paintings in the Kitora tombs. There are strict rules governing construction in this historic town.

The Ishibutai Kofun is located in Asuka. On March 12, 2004, the discovery of the remains of the main building of a residence was announced. Because the building was adjacent to the kofun, it is likely that the residence belonged to Soga no Umako, who is believed to have been entombed in the kofun.

Asuka can be reached from either the Okadera or Asuka stations on the Kintetsu train line, or by car on Route 169.