We start our journey from a place symbolic of the forming of this country. It is where Empress Saimei, the 35th and 37th emperor, tried to create the nation by accepting diverse cultures from many countries.

The remains of a pavilion-like building where Japan's first clock, a water clock introduced from China, was placed.It is said to have been created by Empress Saimei's son, Prince Naka no Oe (later Emperor Tenchi).

The remains of the imperial court from the mid-7th century to the end of the 7th century. Archaeological surveys revealed identical palaces of 4 imperial periods.

One of the largest ancient tombs in Japan, built around the beginning of the 7th century. Since Japan is prone to earthquakes, the structure of over 30 stones, including gigantic stones, was made in an arch to prevent collapse.

An ancient tomb built in the latter half of the 6th century. It is believed to be the tomb of Soga no Iname, also from the powerful Soga clan. At that time, tumuli were built to show off their power, and there were sizes and shapes in vogue.

A strangely shaped stone that weighs over 100 tons and sits atop a small hill. Its use remained a mystery for a long time. However, excavations in the 1990s revealed that the hill had been covered with blocks of stones, and it came to be considered a special and sacred place where rituals were held by Empress Saimei.

A gigantic 11m wide and 4.7m high stone with a mysterious shape, located in the middle of a mountain. As the name suggests, it is a mysterious stone that is believed to be a “rock ship” and some say that it is a “facility for astrological forecast.”

A beautiful octagonal mound characteristic of the imperial tombs of this era. Until recent years, the mound had collapsed and the stone chamber was exposed, but archaeological research has accurately reconstructed its appearance at the time of construction, and it was opened to the public in 2022.

This ancient tomb is characterized by a stone chamber made of beautifully cut and polished granite stacked perfectly with no gaps. It is a rectangular tumulus with sides of 40 meters that was built in the first half of the 7th century, and when compared to the Ishibutai tumulus, which was a rectangular tumulus made of granite in the early 7th century, you can see the progress in technology.

A tumulus built between the end of the 7th century and the beginning of the 8th century. It is an ancient tomb with richly colored murals.

One of two ancient tombs with richly colored murals. It is thought to have been built between 694 and 710. It is influenced by the culture brought back by the Japanese envoy sent to the Tang Dynasty in 702.

Japan's first authentic temple built in 587 at the request of Soga no Umako who protected Buddhism and was buried in the Ishibutai Tumulus.