Historic sites in Nara

Nara Prefecture is home to 84 heritage sites, including the ancient Kanazuka Kofun and Takamatsuzuka Tomb. These sites offer a glimpse into Japan's early history and culture.

Not sure where to start? Read our guide to the 20 best

Asuka-kyō Ruins

Asuka-kyō Ruins

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore ancient palace and temple ruins from Japan's Asuka period in a scenic village.

Asuka Mizuochi Site

Asuka Mizuochi Site

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Ancient water clock site, a National Historic Site and World Heritage Site.

Asuka Inabuchi Palace Site

Asuka Inabuchi Palace Site

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 7th-century palace site, once a grand main hall, now a Japan Heritage property.

Warizuka Kofun

Warizuka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large 6th-century burial mound, now a park, with artifacts displayed nearby.

Toriya Misanzai Kofun

Toriya Misanzai Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large 6th-century keyhole-shaped imperial tomb, showcasing ancient burial mound archit...

Uguisuzuka Kofun

Uguisuzuka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore this large, ancient keyhole-shaped burial mound on Mount Wakakusa.

Itokunomori Kofun

Itokunomori Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Ancient keyhole-shaped burial mound with a shrine, offering a glimpse into early Japanese histor...

Fujiwara-kyō

Fujiwara-kyō

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore the ruins of Japan's first Tang-style capital, a significant ancient city.

Funazuka Kofun

Funazuka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

See an excavated 6th-century burial mound with a stone chamber and unearthed artifacts.

Sasao Kofun

Sasao Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Sasao Kofun is a large, ancient burial mound with a unique stone chamber.

Asuka Pond Garden Site

Asuka Pond Garden Site

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore ancient palace ruins and a historic garden, offering a glimpse into early Japanese histo...

Akasaka Tennōzan No. 3 Burial Mound

Akasaka Tennōzan No. 3 Burial Mound

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 6th-century circular burial mound with a unique stone chamber.

Asuka Pond Workshop Site

Asuka Pond Workshop Site

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore an ancient workshop site where Japan's first coins and imperial records were made.

Shimanoyama Kofun

Shimanoyama Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large, ancient keyhole-shaped tomb with unique artifacts and historical significance.

Kawai Ōtsukayama Kofun

Kawai Ōtsukayama Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a massive 5th-century keyhole-shaped burial mound, a National Historic Site in Nara.

Kurozuka Kofun

Kurozuka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 3rd-century keyhole-shaped burial mound with rare, well-preserved artifacts.

Kusahaka Kofun

Kusahaka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Kusahaka Kofun is a rare 7th-century square burial mound with a large stone chamber and sarcopha...

Dannozuka Kofun

Dannozuka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

An octagonal imperial mausoleum, it is a unique and historically significant kofun.

Kibizuka Kofun

Kibizuka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 5th-6th century burial mound, possibly of Kibi Makibi, with unique burial facilities.

Nenbutsujiyama Kofun

Nenbutsujiyama Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large 5th-century keyhole-shaped tumulus, the designated tomb of Emperor Kaika.

Miyakozuka Kofun

Miyakozuka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a unique 6th-century stepped pyramid tomb, possibly of a powerful ancient leader.

Nogami Kofun

Nogami Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Nogami Kofun is an ancient burial mound, offering a glimpse into Japan's Kofun period.

Yashima no Misasagi

Yashima no Misasagi

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Visit this imperial mausoleum to see the burial site of Prince Sawara, posthumously Emperor Sudo...

Monju-in Nishi Kofun

Monju-in Nishi Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore Japan's most elaborate 7th-century stone burial chamber, a National Special Historic Sit...

Saki Takatsuka Kofun

Saki Takatsuka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large 4th-century imperial keyhole-shaped burial mound, a significant historical site.

Tomio-Maruyama Kofun

Tomio-Maruyama Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Japan's largest circular burial mound, revealing ancient treasures and history.

Fujinoki Kofun

Fujinoki Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Fujinoki Kofun is a 6th-century burial mound with rare, unrobbed treasures, offering a glimpse i...

Ishibutai Kofun

Ishibutai Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a massive ancient burial mound, possibly of a powerful historical figure, with an access...

Gosashi Kofun

Gosashi Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore an ancient keyhole-shaped imperial tomb, one of Japan's largest kofun.

Okamine Kofun

Okamine Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 6th-century burial mound with a unique stone chamber, a designated historic site.

Kanmaki Kudo Kofun Cluster

Kanmaki Kudo Kofun Cluster

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore ancient burial mounds and artifacts from early Japanese history.

Kurahashi Tameike

Kurahashi Tameike

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

A large, modern pond in Nara Prefecture, offering a pleasant walk and historical connections.

Mita-Osawa Kofun Group

Mita-Osawa Kofun Group

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Ancient burial mounds offering insights into early Kofun period politics and culture.

Tanikubi Kofun

Tanikubi Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large, ancient burial mound with an impressive stone chamber, a designated historic si...

Minamiada Ōtsukayama Kofun

Minamiada Ōtsukayama Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 6th-century keyhole-shaped burial mound with unique construction and grave goods.

Asuka

Asuka

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore Asuka, an ancient capital of Japan, with numerous palace ruins and historical significan...

Sugiyama Kofun

Sugiyama Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large 5th-century keyhole-shaped burial mound, a designated National Historic Site.

Bessho Ōtsuka Kofun

Bessho Ōtsuka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 6th-century keyhole-shaped burial mound, one of Japan's largest ancient tombs.

Isonokami Ōtsuka Kofun

Isonokami Ōtsuka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large, keyhole-shaped burial mound from the 6th century.

Uwanarizuka Kofun

Uwanarizuka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large 6th-century keyhole-shaped burial mound, offering a glimpse into ancient Japanes...

Higashinorikura Kofun

Higashinorikura Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 6th-century keyhole-shaped tumulus, the tomb of a powerful clan chief.

Tsukaanayama Kofun

Tsukaanayama Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large 7th-century circular burial mound with a stone chamber and moat.

Nishinorikura Kofun

Nishinorikura Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large 5th-century keyhole-shaped burial mound, a designated National Historic Site.

Akidono Minami Kofun

Akidono Minami Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Akidono Minami Kofun is an early 7th-century tomb, notable for its large stone chamber.

Kitora Tomb

Kitora Tomb

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Ancient tomb with rare murals, a national treasure and World Heritage site.

Akatsuchiyama Kofun

Akatsuchiyama Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a large, ancient keyhole-shaped burial mound from the 4th-5th century.

Obaka Kofun

Obaka Kofun

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Explore a 6th-century keyhole-shaped burial mound with unique artifacts.

Komazuka Burial Mound

Komazuka Burial Mound

NARA · HISTORIC SITE

Komazuka Kofun is a rare early keyhole-shaped burial mound, offering a glimpse into ancient Japa...

Historic sites elsewhere

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