Unesco adds ancient Japanese capitals Asuka, Fujiwara to World Heritage list
With the addition, Japan now has 22 cultural and five natural World Heritage sites.
The decision on the Asuka-Fujiwara: Archaeological sites of Japan’s Ancient Capitals and Related Properties was made during a meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea.
The Asuka-Fujiwara cluster consists of 19 archaeological sites dating from the late sixth century to the early eighth century.
The major sites include the ruins of the Asuka Palace and Fujiwara Palace related to early state-building, the remains of Japan’s first full-fledged capital, Buddhist temple ruins and ancient burial mounds.
