Asuka
Chiba · 飛鳥Browse Chiba’s cultural heritage from the Asuka period (538 – 710). Filter by type and keyword, with concise stories, maps, and travel tips.
Explore the magnificent Sea Beast and Grape Mirror (Kaiju Budo Kyo), Japan's only nationally designated craft treasure in Chiba. This 7th-8th century Tang dynasty bronze mirror at Katori Shrine showcases exquisite ancient artistry and cultural exchange.
At Ryūkakuji in Chiba, a bronze Yakushi keeps a head cast in the late 7th century; fire later claimed its body. One of eastern Japan's rare Hakuhō Buddhas.
A National Treasure near Tokyo: a Southern Song printing of the Hanshu in 61 fascicles, holding the earliest reliable Chinese record of Japan, the Wa people.
A complete Southern Song printing of the Book of the Later Han, kept in Sakura, whose account of the eastern peoples names Queen Himiko and an embassy of 57 CE.
A National Treasure near Tokyo: the Song-dynasty Shiji printed by Huang Shanfu, the oldest complete copy of the three-commentary edition, all 130 chapters intact.