UNESCO has officially added a collection of ancient archaeological sites in Japan’s Nara Prefecture to its World Heritage List, making it the country’s 27th recognised World Heritage site.
The decision was made during the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting held in Busan, South Korea, where the “Asuka-Fujiwara: Archaeological Sites of Japan’s Ancient Capitals and Related Properties” received approval for inscription.
The site is recognised for showcasing the emergence of Japan’s early centralised state between the late sixth and early eighth centuries, a period shaped by strong cultural and political exchanges with China and the Korean Peninsula.
The Asuka-Fujiwara heritage cluster comprises 19 archaeological sites, including the ruins of the Asuka Palace and Fujiwara Palace, which played a key role in Japan’s early state-building. It also features the remains of the country’s first fully developed capital, ancient Buddhist temple ruins and several historic burial mounds.
Among the most notable sites are the Takamatsuzuka Tomb, renowned for its colourful wall murals, and the Kitora Tomb, which contains the oldest known astronomical chart in East Asia.
Before the final decision, a UNESCO advisory body had recommended the archaeological complex for World Cultural Heritage status, recognising its outstanding historical and cultural significance.
